Death Toll Rises to 68 in Yemen Migrant Boat Tragedy Amid Ongoing Search Efforts

The death toll from a migrant boat capsizing off Yemen’s southern coast has climbed to 68, with an additional 74 individuals still unaccounted for, local officials reported Sunday. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies along the coastline of Abyan province throughout the day, while earlier in the morning, 12 survivors were rescued from the sea.

Abdul Qader Bajamil, director of the health office in Abyan province, confirmed the survivors were promptly transported to Shaqra General Hospital for urgent medical care. Several remain in critical condition due to prolonged exposure to harsh sea conditions and exhaustion.

The incident occurred late Saturday night when the smuggling vessel carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants overturned around 11 p.m. local time amid severe weather and powerful winds in the waters off Abyan.

Authorities in Abyan have verified that all those involved were Ethiopian nationals, part of a continued influx of African migrants attempting the perilous journey through Yemen to reach Gulf countries seeking improved economic prospects.

Bodies have been found dispersed along multiple coastal locations, prompting authorities to intensify search efforts by deploying additional rescue units. Health officials are collaborating with local authorities to ensure proper burial arrangements for the victims near Zinjibar, the provincial capital.

This tragedy underscores the ongoing dangers faced by African migrants undertaking risky sea voyages despite Yemen’s prolonged conflict and grave humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has consistently described Yemen’s situation as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.