Migrant boat capsizes off Djibouti; 139 dead including 15 children

A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in a major maritime disaster that claimed the lives of 139 people, including 15 children, according to reports on Wednesday.

The vessel, carrying migrants attempting to cross the Red Sea region, went down in what authorities described as a catastrophic incident. The exact circumstances surrounding the capsizing remain under investigation, though such incidents are common in waters frequented by migrants seeking passage to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

The tragedy underscores the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants from the Horn of Africa and broader regions seeking economic opportunity or fleeing conflict. Djibouti, positioned at the strategic entrance to the Red Sea, has emerged as a key transit point for thousands of migrants annually attempting dangerous sea crossings.

Search and rescue operations were mounted following the incident. The disaster adds to a growing list of maritime tragedies in the region, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable populations attempting irregular migration routes across contested waters.

International organizations and humanitarian groups have called for enhanced maritime safety measures and coordinated regional efforts to address the root causes of mass migration from the region.