221 Drownings in Yemen in 2024: 93 African Migrants Among Victims

Aden – A government report released on Friday revealed that 221 people have died in drowning incidents in areas under Yemeni government control during 2024, including 93 African migrants. Meanwhile, 79 others were rescued from drowning.

Marib Governorate recorded the highest number of incidents, with 38 drowning accidents resulting in 35 deaths. This was followed by the coastal governorate of Hadramaut (18 incidents) and Shabwa, which witnessed 13 incidents claiming the lives of 93 people, including 49 African migrants. Al-Mahra and Al-Dhale reported 26 incidents, while Aden recorded 10. Hodeidah and Taiz each saw 7 incidents. The deadliest incident occurred in Taiz, where a boat carrying African migrants capsized, drowning 45 people. Only one survivor was rescued.

Causes and Rescue Efforts

The report, issued by the police, civil defense, and coast guard, identified the primary causes of these tragedies as:

Personal and familial negligence.

Reckless swimming without proper skills.

Ignoring civil defense warnings.

Negligence of children near water bodies and flood zones.

The coast guard conducted 64 rescue operations, including saving an 11-member Eritrean boat crew after their vessel sank at sea.

These alarming figures highlight the deteriorating infrastructure and lack of public awareness about water safety in Yemen. The situation is exacerbated by the influx of thousands of African migrants through Yemen’s fragile coasts, which are hotspots for smuggling activities. The statistics underscore the urgent need for improved preventive measures and awareness campaigns.