At least 34 people have drowned after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said.
The boat “operated by people smugglers” was carrying about 60 migrants escaping conflict in Yemen and who were on their way to Djibouti, according to the IOM.
It is not known what caused the vessel to capsize, it said.
34 migrants have tragically died off the Coast of Djibouti after their boat capsized. The migrants were being transported by people smugglers. Second such tragedy in just over a month. 20 died & several injured in March
— Mohammed Abdiker (@AbdikerM) April 12, 2021
The organisation has expressed concern over the tens of thousands of young African migrants making the dangerous journey from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf states in search of work.
It said the Covid-19 pandemic had forced many migrants to return to their countries because many countries closed their borders to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The IOM said thousands are trapped in Yemen, many living in “dangerous conditions” – and were being forced to pay smugglers to get back home.
Last month, at least 20 migrants died after smugglers pushed 80 of them from a boat off the coast of Djibouti.
Latest Stories
-
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
4 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
5 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
5 hours -
Arsenal keeper Raya wins Premier League Golden Glove
5 hours -
Iñaki Williams scores twice in Athletic Bilbao’s win over Getafe
5 hours -
Argument with Salah ‘completely resolved’ – Klopp
5 hours -
Reus to leave Dortmund at the end of the season
6 hours -
Uefa confirms 26-man squads for Euro 2024
6 hours -
Teacher Unions press home demands for the new allowances
6 hours -
Media’s failure to hold government accountable for ‘galamsey’ alarming – Mahama
6 hours -
Keta Presbytery urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
6 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Ofori nets maiden goal of the season with stunner against Vizela
6 hours -
Community fearful after off-duty policemen shot dead at East Trasacco
6 hours -
Dext Technology partners KNUST to train basic school teachers on STEM
7 hours -
My efforts led to remarkable transformation in Appiatse – Lands Minister
7 hours