A migrant boat carrying nearly 300 people capsized in the strait between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in at least nine confirmed deaths and approximately 45 people missing, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessel was reportedly packed with migrants when it departed from the port city of Obock in Djibouti bound for Yemen on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The boat capsized and sank in the narrow strait, prompting an ongoing search operation for possible survivors.
Tanja Pacifico, IOM's head in Djibouti, stated that rough seas and very strong winds hampered rescue efforts. She noted that this migration route is known for its high fatality rate, with thousands of migrants having died in the waters between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula in recent years. The IOM continues to coordinate search operations despite challenging maritime conditions.
rough seas and very strong winds hampered rescue efforts
this migration route is known for its high fatality rate, with thousands of migrants having died in the waters between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula in recent years