Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Conflicting Casualty Reports After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Djibouti
A boat carrying migrants from Djibouti toward Yemen overturned at sea during the night of October 8–9.
It sank north of Obock, near a place called Guhere.
Reports do not agree on how many people died or remain missing.
Some reported 109 deaths, while others reported 139.
The IOM said 109 bodies had been recovered, including 15 children.
More than 80 people survived, and some reports said they were Ethiopian nationals.
Djiboutian authorities continued searching, and IOM teams helped survivors.
The IOM said migrants make the dangerous trip while seeking economic opportunities and called for more support.
A boat carrying about 305 migrants from Djibouti to Yemen capsized overnight on October 8–9, north of Obock near Guhere.
Reports gave differing totals: some said at least 109 people died, while others reported 139 deaths.
The IOM said 109 bodies had been recovered: 52 men, 42 women and 15 children.
Estimates of those missing ranged from about 84 or 86 to more than 116; more than 80 people survived.
Djiboutian authorities continued search and rescue operations, while IOM teams provided emergency assistance and called for more support.
- Who
- Migrants aboard a boat traveling from Djibouti to Yemen; more than 80 people survived.
- What
- The boat capsized, causing deaths and leaving people missing; reported casualty figures differ.
- When
- Overnight on October 8–9; the IOM reported the incident on Sunday.
- Where
- Off Djibouti, north of Obock; some reports placed it near Guhere.
- Why
- The IOM said migrants were seeking economic opportunities and attempting to reach Yemen and Gulf countries.
Lower reported estimates
Higher or differing estimates
Deaths
Lower reported estimates
Some reports said at least 109 people died; the IOM account itemized 109 recovered bodies.
Higher or differing estimates
Other reports said 139 people died.
People aboard
Lower reported estimates
Some accounts said the boat carried about 305 people.
Higher or differing estimates
Another account estimated about 350 people aboard.
Missing people
Lower reported estimates
Some reports counted about 84 or 86 people missing.
Higher or differing estimates
Other reports said more than 116 people were missing.
- People aboard
- Reports said the boat carried about 305 people; one account estimated about 350.
- Reported deaths
- Reports ranged from at least 109 to 139 deaths.
- Bodies recovered
- The IOM reported 109 recovered bodies: 52 men, 42 women and 15 children.
- Missing
- Reports ranged from about 84 or 86 to more than 116 people missing.
- Survivors
- More than 80 people survived; reports identified survivors as Ethiopian nationals.
- Response
- Djiboutian authorities continued search and rescue operations; IOM teams provided emergency assistance.
- Route context
- The IOM said more than 900 migrants died or went missing on the maritime route to Yemen in 2025, while attempted crossings rose 18%.
Sources
At least 109 dead, over 116 missing after migrant boat capsizes off Djibouti
Djibouti boat capsizes with 305 migrants on board, at least 139 dead and 84 missing in deadly shipwreck
139 Migrants, Including Children, Dead After Boat Overturns Off Djibouti
At Least 139 Migrants Dead, Including Some Children, After Boat From Djibouti To Yemen Capsizes, UN Agency Says
