Yemen/ Geneva, 7 March 2025 – Two boats carrying over 180 migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen’s Dhubab district in Ta’iz Governorate on Thursday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s field reports. The incident occurred amid some of the worst weather in years, as described by local reports.
The vessels, which were attempting the dangerous journey from the Horn of Africa, sank in rough seas, a known risk during this season. Among those on board were at least 124 men and 57 women. While two Yemeni crew members were rescued, all passengers and the remaining crew are feared dead, with no bodies recovered so far.
The boats capsized after smugglers failed to heed to weather warnings issued by Yemen’s Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority, which had advised against travel due to strong winds and high waves. Migrants arriving at Migrant Response Points in Yemen have reported that smugglers are becoming more reckless, knowingly sending boats into dangerous conditions to avoid patrols.
“These latest shipwrecks are a sobering reminder of the grave dangers migrants endure in search of a better future,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “Smugglers continue to gamble with human lives, pushing people onto dangerous journeys despite clear weather warnings, There is a critical need for adequate protection and safe alternatives for migrants. Without urgent action, more lives could be lost and more families will be left grieving.”
Those who do survive the journey to Yemen often find themselves trapped in a dire situation. Migrants transiting through the country are frequently exposed to violence, detention, forced labour, and other forms of exploitation. Many face kidnapping and extortion at the hands of traffickers and armed groups, while others become stranded with no means to continue their journey or return home.
Yet, despite these dangers, thousands continue to make the journey each year. More than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen last year alone. Since 2014, IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded over 3,400 deaths and disappearances along the Eastern Route, including more than 580 women and 100 children. 1,400 of these deaths were caused by drowning.
IOM continues to provide lifesaving assistance to migrants in Yemen, including food, medical care, protection services and voluntary Humanitarian return. However, the scale of needs far surpasses available resources. With funding cuts severely impacting humanitarian efforts, IOM fears that more migrants will be left indefinitely stranded in Yemen, with little access to food, shelter, or medical care.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, IOM urges greater international action to protect migrants and address the underlying drivers of irregular migration. Urgent support is needed to establish safer migration pathways and prevent further loss of life.