GENEVA: The U.N. migration agency said Tuesday that more than 49 migrants lost their lives and another 140 were missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Yemen.
A statement from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that the ship left Somalia with 260 migrants on board, including Somalis and Ethiopians.
The mishap occurred on Monday near Alghareef Point in Yemen's Shabwah governorate. Among the dead are 31 women and six children, according to the IOM.
“This recent tragedy is another reminder of the urgent need to work together to address pressing migration challenges and ensure the safety of migrants along migration routes,” said Mohammedali Abunajela, IOM spokesperson.
According to the IOM, since 2014, 1,860 migrant deaths and disappearances have been recorded along the route from East Africa and the Horn of Africa to the Gulf countries. Of them, almost 500 lost their lives due to drowning.
The IOM said the migration route in question is the most dangerous in the world.
“Migrants, who often rely on smugglers to navigate their journey, frequently face increased risk, including human trafficking, during the dangerous boat journey to Yemen's shores,” he said.
The United Nations said approximately 97,000 migrants arrived in Yemen from the Horn of Africa last year.
