In a heartrending maritime disaster, only four survivors have been found after a boat carrying at least 45 refugees capsized off the coast of Yemen’s Taiz governorate. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) attributed the tragedy to strong winds and severe overcrowding.

The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, underscores the treacherous conditions faced by those making the perilous journey across the waters that separate Yemen and the Horn of Africa. This area has become a critical and dangerous route for migrants fleeing conflict and seeking better lives.

The survivors were rescued in a critical condition, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention and support in these high-risk migration paths. The UNHCR, along with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is actively coordinating efforts to provide necessary aid and address the protection needs of those affected.

This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of risk and loss. The IOM reports that this route is one of the world’s busiest and most perilous for migrants, with an alarming increase in traffic this past year. In 2024 alone, an estimated 97,000 migrants arrived in Yemen from the Horn of Africa, significantly up from 73,000 in 2023.