At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, die after boat carrying 305 capsizes off Djibouti on route to Yemen; 84 remain missing

At least 139 people, including 15 children, died and 84 were reported missing after a boat carrying 305 migrants capsized off Djibouti while traveling to Yemen, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. The vessel went down near Guhere, north of Obock, during the night of October 8–9, according to survivor accounts cited by the IOM.

About 82 people survived. The IOM said its teams were working with local authorities to provide emergency assistance.

The crossing from the Horn of Africa through Djibouti to Yemen is used by migrants seeking to reach Gulf countries. The IOM reported that more than 900 people died or went missing on the route in 2025, while the number attempting the journey increased by 18%.