By 9jaeye 
In a tragic incident off the coast of Djibouti, two vessels carrying African migrants sank in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 people, according to the United Nations migration agency. The boats had departed from Yemen and were carrying approximately 310 individuals attempting to reach Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that 115 survivors have been rescued so far, with search and rescue efforts still underway.
The Dangers of Irregular Migration
This incident highlights the perilous journey that many migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia undertake in search of better opportunities in Europe. Smugglers often pack these vessels beyond capacity, making the journey extremely dangerous. Djibouti’s coast guard reported that the boats capsized roughly 150 meters off the coast of the Khor Angar region, leading to a massive search and rescue operation on Monday. Despite their efforts, dozens are still missing.
The IOM has been working closely with local authorities to locate the missing individuals and ensure the safety of the survivors. Images of body bags on the shore serve as a grim reminder of the risks that many migrants face when undertaking such hazardous journeys.
A Recurring Tragedy
This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in this region. The so-called “Eastern Route” across the Red Sea has long been one of the most dangerous migration paths for individuals fleeing conflict or poverty in their home countries. Despite international efforts to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling, thousands of desperate people continue to embark on these journeys each year, often with tragic results.
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