‏ISTANBUL

At least 56 migrants died and 132 remain missing after a boat carrying about 200 people capsized off the coast of southern Yemen’s Abyan province, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

Among the victims were 14 women, with many of the dead believed to be Ethiopian nationals. The IOM said only 12 survivors, all men, have been rescued.

‏Describing the Aug. 3 sinking as a “heartbreaking incident,” the UN agency stressed the urgent need to address the dangers of irregular migration along the Eastern Route, which links the Horn of Africa to Yemen.

‏It urged stronger international and regional cooperation to expand safe and regular migration pathways, enhance coordinated search and rescue operations, protect survivors, and support their safe return and reintegration in their home countries.

‏“We commend the local authorities for their swift response and reiterate our commitment to supporting ongoing interagency efforts to identify and assist survivors, recover bodies, and provide support to affected families,” the IOM said in a statement.

‏Earlier, Yemeni officials had confirmed that dozens of bodies were recovered and buried, while many others remained unaccounted for after the vessel overturned due to bad weather conditions.

‏Since the beginning of 2025, the IOM has recorded more than 350 migrant deaths and disappearances along the Eastern Route, though the real number is believed to be significantly higher.

Yemen is a common destination for hundreds of illegal migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia, who undertake this perilous journey in hopes of reaching Gulf countries to seek better living conditions.