The United Nations announced that more than 64 people are missing and are feared dead after a boat carrying African migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen.

The International Organization for Migration said in a statement: “More than 64 people are missing and feared dead after the boat they were traveling in capsized off the coast of Yemen last Sunday,” explaining that the tragic accident occurred between the Al-Hajjajah and Ghurairah area in the Strait of Yemen. Bab al-Mandab. The boat was carrying about 90 migrants, including 60 women, on its way to Yemen from the coast of Djibouti.

The statement stated that 26 survivors were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard, pointing out that the cause of the sinking was due to overloading, a technical defect in the engine, and worsening weather conditions due to strong monsoon winds.

He added, "The International Organization for Migration, along with partners and relevant authorities, is working to collect more information about this incident."

Last August, more than 24 migrants were reported missing and believed to have died after a ship sank off the coast of Djibouti.

The eastern crossing for African migration recorded a significant increase in the number of missing persons coming illegally to the Yemeni coast.

The organization revealed 867 deaths recorded at the Horn of Africa-Yemen crossing by the Missing Migrants Project of the International Organization for Migration in 2022.

The organization confirmed, in its statement, that these numbers are less than the real death toll, in light of the continuing migration flights towards the Yemeni coast.

Matt Hooper, Acting Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration in Yemen, said: “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for global cooperation in creating safer migration pathways. We urge our partners to cooperate closely with the International Organization for Migration to strengthen support for migrants in Yemen.” , and address the root causes behind their decision to embark on these dangerous journeys, and work collectively towards safer and more humane support for migrants.”

This latest incident, according to the statement, “serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrants who embark on perilous journeys in search of safety and better opportunities to make a living.

Given its strategic location in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is considered a transit point and destination for migrants from the Horn of Africa, especially Ethiopians who go to the Gulf countries in search of work.

The statement said: “Many migrants arrive in Yemen, unaware of the abuses and challenges they may face on the way. Often, those who survive the perilous journey across the sea fall prey to traffickers who control almost every aspect of their journey.”

According to previous statistics, the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix recorded the arrival of more than 93,000 migrants to Yemen during the period from January to October 2023, which exceeds the total of approximately 73,000 arrivals for the entire year of 2022.