Abyan — The number of confirmed fatalities from the recent migrant boat disaster off Yemen’s southern coast has climbed to 68, with 74 others still missing, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The vessel, carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants, sank early Sunday near Shaqra in Abyan Governorate due to strong winds and rough seas. 

Rescue teams recovered 54 bodies from the beaches of Khanfar district, while 14 more were found and transferred to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar. Only 12 survivors have been located so far.

Local authorities are continuing search operations under difficult conditions, as families of the victims gather near coastal towns seeking news. The tragedy marks one of the deadliest incidents along the perilous migration route between the Horn of Africa and Yemen, often used by migrants hoping to reach Gulf countries.

The IOM has reiterated calls for stronger regional cooperation to combat human trafficking and improve protections for vulnerable migrants. Despite Yemen’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, the country remains a major transit point, with over 60,000 migrants arriving in 2024 alone.