Barran Press
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Thursday, July 25, 2024, that 41 irregular migrants are missing and four survivors have been found after a boat capsized off the coast of Yemen.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) seen by "Barran Press", the UNHCR stated that "a boat carrying at least 45 refugees and migrants (African) capsized off the coast of [the city of] Taiz in Yemen last night."
The UNHCR attributed the incident to "strong winds and overcrowding," adding that only four survivors have been found. The fate of the remaining passengers remains unknown.
The UNHCR continued, "We are working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners to assist the survivors and meet their needs."
The UNHCR emphasized that the incident "highlights the perilous journeys between Yemen and Africa."
In June, the IOM announced the sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 56 individuals and the disappearance of 129 others.
Yemen is a transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia, most of whom aim to reach Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, on the country's northwestern border.