At least 41 people are feared dead after a boat carrying migrants and refugees capsized off the coast of Yemen.
Only four survivors have been found following the disaster, which occurred on Wednesday night due to strong winds and overcrowding, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
The tragedy highlights the perilous journey undertaken by thousands of people fleeing conflict, poverty, and climate change in the Horn of Africa.
Desperate to reach neighboring Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, they often rely on smugglers and risk their lives on overcrowded, unsafe boats.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports a surge in migrant arrivals to Yemen, with numbers increasing from 73,000 in 2022 to over 97,000 last year. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, making the country a dangerous destination for migrants.
This is the latest in a series of fatal boat accidents in the region. In June, at least 56 people died and 140 went missing when a boat capsized in the Gulf of Aden. Since 2014, over 1,860 people have died or disappeared attempting the perilous journey.
The UN and its partners are working to assist the survivors of the latest tragedy and provide support to affected communities. However, the crisis demands a comprehensive response to address the root causes of migration and to ensure safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better life.
