Boat Capsizes Off Djibouti Coast, 109 Migrants Dead Including 15 Children

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that at least 109 migrants. This includes 15 children, have lost their lives after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti. The vessel, which was carrying 350 people, sank near the port town of Obock on Thursday night, leaving 80 survivors to be rescued by the IOM.

The IOM is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic maritime disaster. With Alexandre Coissac, the agency's Djibouti mission chief, expressing deep concern for the survivors and their families. The families of those who have perished or are still unaccounted for are also being supported by the IOM.

This is working to restore contact with loved ones.

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Local authorities are working to arrange burials for the deceased. Meanwhile, providing medical care to the survivors, all of whom are Ethiopian nationals. The IOM is also providing assistance to 64 of the survivors at its response centre in Obock.

There, they are receiving healthcare and support.

Every year, tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa embark on a perilous journey to reach Gulf countries in search of safety and work. Since 10 September, the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix has recorded over 20,000 movements from Ethiopia to Djibouti, highlighting the scale of this migration.

The IOM is committed to preventing deaths at sea and on land, and is working closely with local authorities to support migrants. The agency is providing assistance to 64 survivors at its response centre in Obock. This includes healthcare and support to help them reconnect with their families.

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Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. In 2025, more than 900 migrants died or went missing taking the same route, with a 18% increase in the number of people attempting the journey. In March 2026, nine people were killed and 45 were missing following a similar incident.

The IOM urges all parties to work together to address the root causes of this migration and to find sustainable solutions to support those affected. The agency will continue to provide assistance to survivors and support to their families, while working to prevent future tragedies.

As the situation continues to unfold, the IOM will provide regular updates on the response efforts and any further developments.