A vessel overcrowded with migrants capsized off the coast of the East African nation of Djibouti, triggering a major maritime disaster. At least 109 people have died, among them 15 children, as emergency personnel continue search and recovery operations in the surrounding waters. Roughly 350 individuals were aboard the vessel when the disaster unfolded, leaving 116 people unaccounted for.
Vessel Carried 350 People Amid Urgent Search Operations
The boat was navigating regional coastal waters when it overturned, throwing hundreds of passengers into the sea. Around 350 passengers were packed onto the craft. Search teams have pulled 109 bodies from the water so far, while 116 passengers remain missing. Maritime rescue units and local authorities have deployed specialized search teams across the area to locate any survivors.
Over 80 Ethiopian Nationals Among the Victims
A significant portion of the passengers on the vessel were from neighboring Ethiopia. More than 80 Ethiopian citizens were among those caught in the shipwreck. The tragedy claimed the lives of entire family units, with officials confirming that at least 15 young children drowned after the boat overturned.
Emergency Response Continuing in Coastal Waters
Coast guard personnel and local rescue teams are conducting extensive sweeps across the waters off Djibouti. Rescue boats and divers continue to scour the maritime zone in search of the missing passengers, though harsh marine conditions and the passage of time have severely complicated efforts to locate survivors.
