Grapevine

By Al Jazeera
Oct 2, 2024

At least 45 dead, dozens missing as boats sink off coast of Djibouti

The boats were traversing a route described as one of the busiest and most dangerous in the world for refugees and migrants from Africa.

At least 45 people have died and dozens are missing after two vessels carrying refugees and migrants from Africa sank off the coast of Djibouti, the UN’s migration agency said.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that the boats left Yemen with 310 people on board before sinking in the Red Sea.

“IOM is supporting state emergency services in search and rescue operations,” the organisation said in a post on X, adding that 32 survivors had been found.

Djibouti’s coastguard said a joint rescue effort has been under way since early on Monday, with 115 survivors now rescued and dozens still missing.