Over 20 Migrants Dead and Dozens Missing: What Happened Off Yemen's Coast?
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Synopsis
A devastating maritime tragedy off the coast of Yemen has claimed the lives of over 20 migrants, with many still unaccounted for. This incident underscores the ongoing perilous journey undertaken by migrants seeking refuge. What led to this disaster, and how are authorities responding?
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 migrants tragically died after a smuggling boat sank.
- Dozens of migrants remain missing, raising concerns about further casualties.
- The incident highlights the perilous journeys faced by migrants from Africa.
- Authorities are engaged in extensive humanitarian operations to recover victims.
- Urgent calls for international intervention emphasize the need to address illegal migration.
Aden, Aug 3 (NationPress) More than 20 migrants have tragically lost their lives, with many still unaccounted for, following the sinking of a smuggling vessel that was transporting approximately 150 African migrants off the coast of Abyan Province in southern Yemen, according to Yemeni sources on Sunday.
An anonymous local official informed Xinhua that the vessel capsized late Saturday night around 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) due to intense winds.
Field teams were able to recover more than 20 bodies along the shores of Shaqra and Zinjibar cities on Sunday morning, while 12 survivors were rescued and taken to Shaqra General Hospital for medical care. The official noted that many migrants remain missing, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Security officials in Abyan announced that they are conducting a significant humanitarian operation aimed at recovering the bodies of the drowned migrants.
A statement from the Abyan Security Directorate indicated that security forces are engaged in a comprehensive humanitarian initiative to recover the bodies of numerous irregular migrants of Ethiopian descent who perished while attempting to illegally enter Yemeni territory via smuggling boats from the Horn of Africa.
The authorities have started transporting the bodies to hospitals in Zinjibar as part of extensive rescue and humanitarian efforts, despite facing limited resources. Many bodies were discovered scattered across various coastal areas, heightening fears that additional victims may have been lost at sea.
The Abyan security authorities urged all relevant local and international organizations to urgently intervene and take steps to curb the illegal migration flow through Yemeni waters, as stated in their announcement.
African migrants continue to arrive in Yemen, where they confront extremely harsh conditions in a nation grappling with a decade-long conflict and what the United Nations describes as one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting migrants in Yemen. The loss of life in this recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those seeking refuge. Our reporting must focus on the need for both local and international efforts to address the root causes of this crisis and provide support for vulnerable populations.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the boat to sink off the coast of Yemen?
The boat sank due to strong winds, which caused it to capsize late Saturday night.
How many migrants were on the boat?
Approximately 150 African migrants were on the smuggling boat when it sank.
What are the current efforts to recover the missing migrants?
Authorities in Abyan are conducting a large-scale humanitarian operation to recover the bodies of the drowned migrants and assist survivors.
What conditions do African migrants face upon arriving in Yemen?
Migrants arriving in Yemen face extremely harsh conditions amid a prolonged conflict and significant humanitarian challenges.
What actions are being taken to prevent illegal migration in this region?
The Abyan security authorities have called on local and international organizations to intervene and address the issue of illegal migration through Yemeni waters.
