At least nine migrants have died and 45 others remain missing after a boat sank off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The vessel went down during the night of March 24 near the town of Obock, with around 320 people believed to have been on board. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate survivors.
The tragedy underscores the dangers of the “Eastern Route,” a key migration corridor linking the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants—primarily from Ethiopia—risk the crossing of the Red Sea in search of employment opportunities in Gulf states.
The route has become increasingly perilous. According to IOM data, 2025 recorded 922 migrant deaths, marking the deadliest year on record and highlighting a sharp rise in fatalities.
The latest shipwreck reflects the continuing humanitarian crisis facing migrants, as economic hardship and limited opportunities push many to undertake dangerous journeys in pursuit of a better life.
Source: TRT Africa
