Abyan, Yemen – August 4, 2025 — A migrant boat carrying an estimated 150 people capsized off the southern coast of Yemen on Sunday, leaving at least 54 people confirmed dead and dozens more unaccounted for, according to local authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The incident occurred near the district of Ahwar in Abyan province in the early hours of August 3, amid high winds and rough seas. Most of the victims are believed to be Ethiopian nationals attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden to reach the Gulf states.
According to Dr. Abdul Qader Bajameel, Abyan’s health director, only 10 people survived—nine Ethiopians and one Yemeni. Recovery operations began shortly after bodies began washing ashore by midday.
A local security source told The National that the boat was completely destroyed. Emergency and volunteer teams continue to search for additional victims along the coastline.
A Dangerous Passage
The eastern migration route across the Gulf of Aden remains one of the most dangerous in the world. Thousands of migrants from Ethiopia, Somalia, and other Horn of Africa countries attempt the journey each year, often relying on smugglers who operate unsafe and overcrowded boats.
In 2024 alone, IOM recorded over 558 migrants dead or missing along this route. That figure is expected to rise in 2025, according to the agency’s regional tracking data.
The IOM has repeatedly warned of the deadly risks faced by migrants and called for better protection systems, more robust search and rescue operations, and regional strategies to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Strong waves and limited rescue capacity have complicated the search for bodies. Local residents, Yemeni Red Crescent teams, and volunteers are assisting in recovery efforts across remote stretches of the coastline. Photos from the scene show rows of bodies wrapped in white shrouds, awaiting mass burials.
The IOM has confirmed it is supporting local authorities in their response and monitoring the situation closely.
Key Figures
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 3, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Confirmed Deaths | 54 individuals |
| Survivors Rescued | 10 (9 Ethiopians, 1 Yemeni) |
| Estimated on Board | Around 150 |
| Missing | Dozens, still unaccounted for |
| Location | Off Ahwar coast, Abyan, Yemen |
| Reported Cause | Overcrowding, poor vessel condition, high winds |
Ongoing Humanitarian Concern
This tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving migrant boats in the Gulf of Aden. Despite fewer crossings reported in some quarters, the route remains a perilous escape for many fleeing poverty, climate shocks, and conflict in East Africa.
Humanitarian agencies are urging for improved monitoring and regional coordination to reduce the loss of life at sea.
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