139 people dead, including 15 children, after migrant boat capsizes off Africa: "Overwhelmed with all the bodies"
A migrant boat carrying 305 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti near the port town of Obock, leaving 139 dead, including 15 children. United Nations agencies report that 84 people remain missing following the disaster. The vessel was traveling toward Yemen when it sank, with a UN official describing the grim aftermath as local authorities becoming overwhelmed with bodies. Victims have been buried without names in a common grave. Search and recovery efforts continue as officials fear the death toll may rise further.
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- ✓ A migrant boat capsized near the port town of Obock in Djibouti with 305 people on board.
- ✓ The death toll from the shipwreck stands at 139 people, including 15 children.
- ✓ Eighty-four people remain missing following the disaster.
- ✓ The vessel was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen when it sank.
What changed
The confirmed death toll has climbed to 139 victims, with 84 people still listed as missing.
Live updates
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139 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Djibouti
A migrant boat carrying 305 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti near the port town of Obock, leaving 139 dead, including 15 children. United Nations agencies report that 84 people remain missing following the disaster. The vessel was traveling toward Yemen when it sank, with a UN official describing the grim aftermath as local authorities becoming overwhelmed with bodies. Victims have been buried without names in a common grave. Search and recovery efforts continue as officials fear the death toll may rise further.
Why it matters
The route between the Horn of Africa and Yemen remains a heavily traveled passage for migrants seeking work in the Gulf, despite extreme dangers. Smugglers routinely use overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels to transport individuals across the water. The high fatality rate in this shipwreck highlights ongoing safety crises along migration corridors.
What is confirmed
- A migrant boat capsized near the port town of Obock in Djibouti with 305 people on board.
- The death toll from the shipwreck stands at 139 people, including 15 children.
- Eighty-four people remain missing following the disaster.
- The vessel was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen when it sank.
- A UN official stated that victims were buried with no names in a common grave.
What to watch next
- Updates from UN agencies on the search and rescue operations for the 84 missing individuals
- Further identification efforts for the victims buried in common graves
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- BBC — Djibouti boat capsize: Children among 109 dead with 116 still missing, UN says
- The New York Times — Over 100 Migrants Are Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Djibouti
- Reuters — 109 migrants, including 15 children dead after boat from Djibouti to Yemen capsizes, UN agency says
- UN News — Djibouti shipwreck: Death toll rises to 139 as 84 remain missing
- CBS News — 139 people dead, including 15 children, after migrant boat capsizes off Africa: "Overwhelmed with all the bodies"
- CNN — Boat disaster off Djibouti leaves at least 139 dead, with toll feared to rise
- www.cbsnews.com — 139 people dead, including 15 children, after migrant boat ...
- www.bbc.com — Djibouti boat capsize: Children among 109 dead with 116 still missing, UN says
- www.yahoo.com — 139, including children, dead after boat capsizes off ... - Yahoo
- www.newsweek.com — 15 Children Among 139 Dead After Migrant Boat Sinks off ...
- www.theguardian.com — At least 139 dead including children after migrant boat ...
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