Djibouti/Geneva, 11 June 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close coordination with Djiboutian authorities, is scaling up its humanitarian response following a tragic incident off the coast of Djibouti that left at least eight migrants dead and 22 others missing.  

According to testimonies from survivors, the boat – carrying around 150 people – was stopped at sea on June 5 by the smugglers who forced the passengers to disembark far from the coast. The passengers were left to swim for their lives in open water.

“Every life lost at sea is a tragedy that should never happen,” said Celestine Frantz, IOM Regional Director for the East, Horn and Southern Africa. “These young people were forced into impossible choices by smugglers who show no regard for human life. We are doing everything we can to support the survivors and prevent further loss along this deadly route.” So far, search and rescue operations, supported by IOM and Djiboutian authorities, have recovered five bodies – from the sea near Moulhoulé. The confirmed death toll stands at eight, though more are feared as search efforts continue.

IOM teams are on the ground assisting in search and rescue operations and delivering life-saving assistance to survivors, in coordination with national authorities. In the days following the incident, many of those rescued were found in the desert by IOM’s mobile patrols and are currently receiving urgent medical care at a local hospital and psychosocial support at the IOM-run Migrant Response Center in Obock.

Each year, thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa risk their lives along this perilous route in hopes of reaching the Gulf States. This latest tragedy is part of a series of fatal maritime incidents off the coast of Djibouti, underscoring the urgent need for continuous protection mechanisms for migrants along the migration route between the Horn of Africa and Yemen.

In response to this growing crisis, IOM is calling for increased international support to strengthen search and rescue operations and expand access to safe migration pathways.

For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre.