A deadly shipwreck off Djibouti has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants along the Eastern Route one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors.
The incident occurred near the coastal town of Obock where a vessel carrying hundreds capsized during a journey from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
Survivors described overcrowded conditions and a lack of basic safety measures contributing to the high number of casualties and missing persons.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities attempt to locate survivors amid fears the death toll may rise.
The Eastern Route is a major pathway for migrants particularly from Ethiopia and Somalia seeking to reach Yemen and Gulf countries.
However the route has become increasingly deadly due to reliance on smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable migrants.
Smugglers often use unsafe boats and in some cases force passengers into open water to avoid detection.
Humanitarian agencies say poverty drought and conflict are driving more people to attempt the journey despite the risks.
The incident reflects broader regional instability and overlapping crises affecting migration patterns.
Aid organizations are calling for stronger rescue efforts anti trafficking measures and support for communities of origin.
As search operations continue the fate of dozens of missing migrants remains uncertain.
