At least 139 people died and 84 remain missing after an overcrowded boat capsized off Djibouti while heading toward Yemen.
The vessel, carrying 305 migrants, sank near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock, during the night of October 8-9, according to survivors interviewed by the International Organization for Migration.
More than 80 people survived, all of them Ethiopian nationals, and IOM officials said overcrowding was the main cause of the accident.
'Overcrowding was the main reason for the accident,' said Alexandre Coissac, IOM’s chief of mission in Djibouti.
Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue operations, while the IOM provides medical and psychological support to survivors at its Migrant Response Centre in Obock.
Such incidents often lead to a review of safety practices for vessels operating in mixed‑use maritime corridors.
For shipowners, charterers and brokers, the event underscores the importance of verifying passenger loads and monitoring routes where migrant traffic intersects with commercial shipping.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
