Two vessels carrying migrants from Africa tragically sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in the loss of 45 lives, according to the U.N. migration agency. The boats had departed from Yemen with a total of 310 individuals on board, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.
Irregular migration attempts towards Europe by thousands of migrants from African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian countries are a common occurrence. In their quest for a better life, these individuals often find themselves at the mercy of smugglers who overcrowd vessels with people desperate to reach continental Europe.
The U.N. agency, actively involved in search and rescue operations, revealed that 32 survivors were successfully rescued. Djibouti's coast guard disclosed that the tragic incident took place approximately 150 meters off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region. A joint rescue effort was promptly initiated, commencing early Monday, resulting in the rescue of 115 survivors.
Expressing their unwavering commitment to locating the missing persons and ensuring the safety of survivors, the agency shared a statement on social media accompanied by images of white body bags.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants embarking on dangerous journeys in search of hope and opportunity. The global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by irregular migration, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address this humanitarian crisis.
For more updates on global migration news, visit AP's global migration coverage.
