At least 68 Ethiopian migrants lost their lives and more than 70 remain unaccounted for after an overcrowded boat overturned off the southern coast of Yemen, as confirmed by officials and humanitarian workers. Only a small number of passengers survived the disaster.
A devastating maritime accident occurred off the coast of Yemen on August 3, 2025, when a small, overcrowded boat carrying Ethiopian migrants capsized in the Gulf of Aden.
Officials report that the vessel was likely headed for a Gulf country when it ran into trouble near the southern province of Abyan. The migrants were making the risky journey in search of employment and improved living conditions.
Residents and authorities began recovering bodies shortly after the incident. By the end of the day, 68 bodies, including several women, had been found along the shorelines. Only 12 people are confirmed to have survived the disaster, and most were rescued by fishermen and villagers nearby.
The remaining 74 migrants are still missing, and rescue teams continue to comb the coastline in search of more bodies or possible survivors.
According to humanitarian officials, this route has become a common but extremely risky path for East African migrants, particularly from Ethiopia and Somalia. Smugglers often load unsafe boats with too many passengers, leaving them vulnerable to rough seas, engine failures, and tragic accidents like this one.
What’s Next
Search operations are still active, but officials warn that hopes of finding more survivors are fading. Human rights groups are urging regional governments to improve monitoring of smuggling routes and provide safer, legal pathways for migrants. This tragedy serves as another painful reminder of the ongoing migration crisis and the risks people are willing to take for a better life.
Key Highlights
- The boat sank off the coast of Abyan province, Yemen
- Around 154 Ethiopian migrants were on board
- 68 confirmed dead, including women
- 74 still missing
- 12 survivors rescued
- Search and rescue efforts are ongoing
