Migrant Fatalities in the Red Sea: Understanding the High Drowning Rates
In the waters of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a tragic incident occurred when a vessel carrying around 200 people sank, resulting in at least 92 deaths. The majority of the deceased and missing are believed to be Ethiopians, with people from Somalia being the second-highest number of migrants using this route.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is a popular route for migrants seeking employment opportunities in the Gulf states. In 2023, around 446,000 people attempted to cross this treacherous stretch of water, with numbers slightly decreasing to 395,000 in 2024. Most of these migrants are fleeing economic crises, with around 90% of them originating from African countries.
The most common countries of origin for migrants using the Eastern Route over Bab al-Mandab are primarily African nations, with migrants commonly departing from Djibouti and Eritrea, crossing towards Yemen at coastal points such as Lahj, Ta'iz, and Shabwah.
However, the journey is fraught with danger. There is no official sea rescue program in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, leaving vessels in distress relying on passing cargo ships for help. Captains have become wary of helping migrant boats due to numerous cases of piracy in the region.
Working outside of the system in Saudi Arabia also presents challenges for migrants. Having a kafeel (local sponsor) in Saudi Arabia binds migrants to a contract, and some kafeels have been known to keep their employees' passports, making it difficult for them to leave abusive workplaces, particularly for female workers.
Some migrants do not want to be officially recognized as such in Saudi Arabia because it limits their prospects. Working without official status allows them greater employment opportunities, but at the cost of legal protections and the risk of exploitation.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life. The article was edited by Chrispin Mwakideu and originally written in German by Eshete Bekele. The US Navy and other militaries are present in the area, but their priority is to stop piracy and attacks on oil tankers, not to protect migration routes.
