Over 130 African Migrants Feared Drowned Off Djibouti, According to U.N. Report by Reuters

GENEVA (Reuters) – Over 130 African migrants are reported missing off the coast of Djibouti after two overcrowded boats capsized in turbulent waters on Tuesday, according to the United Nations migration agency.

The vessels were on their way to Yemen, a route often taken by migrants seeking employment and better living conditions in Gulf countries, stated Joel Millman, spokesman for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Following an alert from local residents, authorities located two survivors and recovered the bodies of five migrants. The incidents occurred near Godoria, in Djibouti’s Obock region.

IOM personnel were able to identify one 18-year-old male survivor, who was believed to be among the more than 130 passengers on the first boat, although he had no information regarding the second vessel, as reported by the IOM.