The United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, that a boat carrying approximately 305 migrants capsized off the coast of Djibouti. The agency reported conflicting death tolls, with one source confirming at least 109 fatalities and another citing at least 139 dead. Among the deceased are at least 15 children, including nine girls and six boys. The incident occurred during the night of Oct. 8–9 near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock.
The vessel was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen, a route used by migrants seeking work in Gulf nations. According to the IOM, more than 80 survivors were rescued. Local authorities in Djibouti are conducting search and rescue operations for the missing, whose numbers are estimated between 84 and 116 people. A spokesperson for the Ethiopian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Survivor accounts provided to the IOM indicate some migrants were fleeing difficult living conditions in Ethiopia, including drought and violence. The IOM reported that displacement in Yemen has increased from 76,000 to 200,000 since mid-September amid escalated fighting between Saudi Arabia-backed government forces and Iran-backed Houthis. The agency documented that over 3,700 people fled Yemen for Djibouti by sea as of last week.
Migrants using this route face risks including trafficking, arbitrary arrest, and maritime accidents. The IOM reports an 18% increase in the number of people attempting the journey over the past year. The surge in displacement within Yemen to 200,000 people further complicates the environment for those arriving, as they enter a zone of military escalation between government forces and Houthi rebels.
Search operations are ongoing as of Oct. 11, and the final death toll remains unconfirmed as crews continue to look for missing persons. No specific dates for the conclusion of the search or further government statements have been established.