At least 45 people have died, with many others missing, after two migrant boats sank off the coast of Djibouti.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this disaster occurred in the Red Sea, marking a perilous event on the Eastern Route for migrants from Africa.
The boats had departed from Yemen, carrying a total of 310 people.
So far, 32 survivors have been rescued, while IOM is actively participating in search and rescue efforts.
Djibouti’s coastguard stated the tragedy struck approximately 150 meters off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region.
A joint rescue effort began in the early hours of Monday, supported by the French navy, with 115 survivors reportedly rescued.
IOM expressed its commitment to finding missing persons and ensuring the safety of survivors in a statement shared on social media.
Each year, tens of thousands of migrants attempt the Eastern Route, fleeing conflict and economic hardships in the Horn of Africa.
Many seek employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab nations.
The region’s dangers are underscored by a civil war in Yemen that has persisted for nearly a decade.
In April, a similar tragedy claimed 24 lives when a migrant boat capsized off Djibouti.
The IOM has labeled the Eastern Route as one of the most dangerous migration routes globally.
