Archive · 12 Oct 2026
At Least 139 Migrants Die After Boat Capsizes Off Djibouti
A boat carrying about 350 people was travelling from Djibouti toward Yemen when it tipped over in the sea.
This happened overnight on October 8-9.
The International Organization for Migration said at least 139 people died and 116 were missing.
More than 80 people survived, and all the survivors were from Ethiopia.
The agency said 109 bodies had been recovered.
Some survivors were receiving help at a centre in Obock.
Search and rescue teams were still looking for people.
The IOM said it was working with Djiboutian authorities to provide emergency assistance.
A boat carrying around 350 migrants capsized off Djibouti while travelling to Yemen overnight on October 8-9.
The International Organization for Migration reported at least 139 deaths and 116 people missing.
Survivors said the vessel capsized north of the coastal town of Obock.
More than 80 people survived; all were Ethiopian nationals.
The IOM said search and rescue operations continued and 64 survivors were receiving assistance at a migrant centre in Obock.
- Who
- Migrants aboard a boat; more than 80 survivors were Ethiopian nationals.
- What
- A migrant boat capsized, leaving at least 139 dead and 116 missing.
- When
- Overnight on October 8-9; the IOM reported the toll on Sunday.
- Where
- Off Djibouti, north of the coastal town of Obock, while the boat was travelling to Yemen.
- Why
- The articles do not state why the boat capsized.
- People aboard
- Around 350
- Deaths reported
- At least 139
- Missing
- 116
- Survivors
- More than 80; all reported survivors were Ethiopian nationals
- Bodies recovered
- 109: 52 men, 42 women and 15 children
- Children among recovered bodies
- Nine girls and six boys
- Survivors receiving assistance
- 64 at a migrant centre in Obock
- Response
- Search and rescue operations continued; the IOM was working with Djiboutian authorities