139 Dead in Boat Capsizing Off Djibouti
Overcrowded vessel carrying 300 migrants sank near shore, killing at least 139 including children.
The Brief
- At least 139 people, including children, died in the capsizing of a boat carrying over 300 migrants.
- Authorities in Djibouti confirmed 139 deaths, with others buried by migrants not included in the official count.
- Survivors are being provided medical and psychological care at an IOM rescue center.
A boat carrying more than 300 migrants capsized off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in at least 139 deaths, including children, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Alexandre Coissac, IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti, stated that the official death toll only includes those buried by authorities. Migrants buried themselves in a common grave, and their bodies will not be added to the count until verified.
Coissac noted that the vessel sank shortly after boarding on October 8, primarily due to overcrowding, close to the shore.
Local authorities faced challenges handling the large number of bodies arriving at the shore, with Coissac describing the situation as overwhelming.
Survivors, who swallowed sea water, are being taken to an IOM rescue center in Obock for medical treatment and psychological support.
At least 84 people remain missing following the incident.
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Djibouti migrant boat capsizes, killing 139
At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, died in a boat disaster off Djibouti's coast.