• A migrant boat capsized off Yemen, resulting in at least 68 confirmed deaths and over 74 missing.
• The vessel was carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants seeking to reach Gulf nations.
• Only 12 survivors were rescued, emphasizing the perilous nature of migrant routes.
• The incident highlights the risks migrants face amidst Yemen's ongoing civil war and humanitarian crises.

A boat carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants capsized off the southern coast of Yemen on Sunday, leading to a tragic loss of life with 68 confirmed dead and 74 others reported missing, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM). Abdusattor Esoev, the agency's head in Yemen, stated that 12 individuals were rescued while a significant search-and-rescue operation was ongoing, as many of the deceased were discovered on beaches around the Abyan governorate, highlighting the dire situation for migrants in the region according to SCMP and AllAfrica.

The shipping route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen remains one of the most perilous and heavily traveled by migrants seeking to access better lives in wealthier Gulf Arab nations despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen. In the first half of this year, the IOM reported that about 60,000 migrants had arrived in Yemen, demonstrating a decrease from the previous year, likely due to increased maritime patrols but still reflecting significant engagement in risky travels, according to Africanews and AllAfrica.

As the search for bodies continues, reports indicate that more than 90 bodies have been recovered, with officials indicating that the death toll could reach up to 142 as many remain missing after the capsizing incident. Yemeni authorities have been actively involved in recovering bodies and addressing migrant camps operated by smugglers, as the region is known for such tragic incidents, according to reports from Africanews and Le Monde.