At least 139 migrants have died, and another 84 remain missing after a boat carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized off the East African coast, according to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The vessel capsized overnight Thursday into Friday near Guehere, north of the coastal town of Obock. Djiboutian authorities continued search and rescue operations as the confirmed death toll rose from an initial count of 109 to 139 by Sunday. Approximately 82 people survived the disaster.

At least 15 children were among those killed, including nine girls and six boys, according to the IOM’s earlier breakdown of the victims. Survivors have been identified as Ethiopian nationals.

The IOM is providing assistance to survivors at its Migrant Response Centre in Obock, including medical care, psychological support, food, shelter and protection services. Local authorities are also arranging burials for those who died.

“No one gets into a boat like that unless they believe there is no other safe way,” IOM Director General Amy Pope said. “We cannot keep treating these deaths as normal. Safe and legal pathways save lives.”

The shipwreck is among the deadliest recorded on the Eastern Route, a dangerous migration corridor used by people traveling from the Horn of Africa through Yemen in hopes of reaching Gulf countries. Migrants making the journey face significant risks, including overcrowded vessels and perilous sea crossings.

According to the IOM, more than 900 migrants died or went missing along the Eastern Route in 2025, even as the number of people attempting the journey increased by 18%. Another shipwreck in March left nine people dead and 45 missing.

The latest disaster highlights the continuing loss of life along a migration route where thousands attempt to cross the sea despite the dangers. With dozens still missing, the final death toll from the capsizing could change as rescue operations continue.