Djibouti boat capsize: Children among 109 dead with 116 still missing, UN says

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Djibouti Migrant Boat Capsize Leaves Over 100 Dead

   An overcrowded migrant vessel sank off the coast of Djibouti on the night of October 8 to 9, carrying hundreds of passengers toward Yemen. United Nations agencies report that at least 109 to 139 migrants died, including 15 children. Between 84 and 116 individuals remain unaccounted for following the disaster near the port town of Obock. The International Organization for Migration deployed teams to the area to deliver emergency aid to survivors, while rescue efforts continue to locate missing passengers from the capsized ship.

   Why it matters

   The maritime route from the Horn of Africa toward the Arabian Peninsula is heavily traveled by migrants fleeing poverty and conflict, despite severe dangers. Overloaded vessels frequently attempt the crossing to Yemen, where travelers hope to reach Gulf states for employment. This tragedy highlights the ongoing migrant crisis in the region and the lethal risks associated with unauthorized maritime smuggling operations.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, died when a boat sank off the coast of Djibouti.
   • The vessel was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen with 305 people on board when it capsized near the port town of Obock.
   • The International Organization for Migration is on the ground providing emergency aid to survivors.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Some agency reports state that at least 139 migrants died and 84 remain missing.
   • One report stated the vessel was carrying 350 people on board.

   What to watch next

   • Official updates from the International Organization for Migration on rescue and recovery operations
   • Final confirmation of the exact passenger manifest and missing person totals
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. BBC — Djibouti boat capsize: Children among 109 dead with 116 still missing, UN says
   2. NBC News — At least 139 migrants, including children, die after boat capsizes off Djibouti
   3. The New York Times — Over 100 Migrants Are Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Djibouti
   4. Al Jazeera — At least 109 dead, over 100 missing as migrant boat capsizes off Djibouti
   5. Reuters — 109 migrants, including 15 children dead after boat from Djibouti to Yemen capsizes, UN agency says
   6. The Guardian — At least 139 dead including children after migrant boat capsizes off Djibouti
   7. WRAL — 139 migrants, including children, die after boat capsizes off Djibouti
   8. Sky News — At least 139 dead and 84 missing after boat capsizes off coast of Djibouti, UN agency says
   9. www.bbc.co.uk — Children among 109 dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti, UN says - BBC
   10. www.france24.com — Djibouti boat wreck leaves 139 migrants dead, 84 missing: UN
   11. www.thejournal.ie — 109 migrants dead and 116 missing in boat wreck off Djibouti - The Journal
   12. www.onenewspage.com — Djibouti migrant boat capsizing - One News Page
   confidence 90%