NAIROBI (Kaab TV) – Ethiopia is mourning the deaths of more than 60 of its citizens who died in a maritime tragedy off the coast of Yemen, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday.
The Ministry extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged Ethiopian citizens to avoid irregular migration routes.
It called on those seeking employment abroad to do so through legal and authorized channels.
Highlighting its ongoing efforts to create safer labor migration opportunities, the government said thousands of Ethiopians have already benefited from official programs.
It also warned against the dangers posed by human trafficking and smuggling networks, emphasizing the need for public awareness and strict adherence to regulated migration processes.
IOM statement
In a statement, the Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said it is working with international and regional partners to uncover the full details.
“The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life after a vessel carrying 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Shuqrah, in Yemen’s Abyan Governorate on 3 August,” IOM said in a statement.
At least 56 people are reported dead, 14 of them female, with many of the victims believed to be Ethiopian nationals, IOM added.
The total number of those missing stands at 132.
So far 12 survivors, all male, have been found.
IOM reported that the victims were part of a group of migrants whose vessel capsized while attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden, near Yemen’s Abyan Governorate.
According to the IOM, all the victims were Ethiopian nationals.
Dozens of bodies have been recovered along the Yemeni coast, while search operations continue for those still missing.