Tragic Shipwrecks in Yemen: Over 180 Migrants Feared Dead
Over 180 migrants are feared dead after shipwrecks off Yemen, where smugglers ignored weather warnings. Survivors face violence and exploitation, amidst worsening conditions for migrants. The IOM urges urgent, impactful international action to safeguard lives and provide necessary resources for those in perilous situations.
On March 7, 2025, two migrant boats capsized off Yemen’s Dhubab district, leading to fears that over 180 migrants have perished. Reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate that the mishap occurred in extremely severe weather conditions, a critical risk factor during this season. The sunken vessels carried 124 men and 57 women, with only two Yemeni crew members successfully rescued while others remain unaccounted for.
The boats encountered trouble after smugglers ignored weather advisories from Yemen’s Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority, which had warned against voyages due to high seas. Increasingly reckless practices have been reported, with smugglers knowingly endangering lives to avoid detection during adverse weather. Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, highlighted that these incidents underscore the perilous situations migrants face.
Survivors landing in Yemen often confront severe hardships, including violence, forced labor, and exploitation. Many face additional threats from traffickers while struggling to find safe passage or a way back home. In recent years, despite the dangers, over 60,000 migrants reached Yemen in 2024, reflecting the persistent nature of this crisis. Since 2014, the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has documented over 3,400 migrant fatalities and disappearances on the Eastern Route, with drowning cases accounting for a significant number.
Moreover, IOM’s efforts to aid migrants in Yemen are hampered by funding shortfalls, which limit access to essential services such as food and medical care. With the humanitarian situation worsening, IOM is calling for increased international support to create safer migration alternatives and protect migrants from further tragedies. The organization also emphasizes the need to tackle the root causes driving irregular migration.
The tragic shipwrecks off Yemen’s coast showcase the grave dangers migrants undertake while searching for a better life. Continued negligence by smugglers amid adverse weather conditions exacerbates the crisis, highlighting an urgent need for humanitarian intervention. With thousands at risk and a consistent rise in migrant fatalities, international efforts must be intensified to ensure safer migration pathways and provide necessary aid to affected individuals.
Original Source: www.iom.int
