The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 180 refugees, including some believed to be Ethiopians, were feared dead after a boat carrying migrants from Djibouti capsized off the coast of Yemen.

The victims were migrants from the Horn of Africa attempting the perilous and illegal journey to the Middle East and Gulf countries in search of better opportunities. While the organization did not disclose the nationalities of all those aboard, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the majority of the victims were Ethiopians.

One of the capsized boats was reportedly carrying 31 Ethiopian migrants and three Yemeni crew members before it sank near Yemen’s coast. The dangerous sea crossing has claimed the lives of many Ethiopians and Somalis in the past, as they risk everything in hopes of escaping poverty and conflict.

Tamim Elaine, an IOM spokesperson, told the AP that the whereabouts of 181 migrants and five Yemeni boat navigators remain unknown, apart from two survivors who were rescued. The incident occurred on Thursday, and in a separate tragedy, two additional boats capsized off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in two confirmed deaths while others were saved by rescue workers.

Among those onboard, 124 were men and 57 were women. While two Yemeni boat navigators survived, the remaining passengers and crew are presumed dead. However, none of the victims’ bodies have yet been recovered, according to officials.

In a statement released by IOM, the organization criticized the traffickers responsible for orchestrating the journey, noting that they ignored warnings from Yemeni authorities about the dangers posed by strong winds and high waves. Survivors who reached an IOM center in Yemen recounted that the traffickers knowingly risked their lives to evade inspections, despite the adverse weather conditions.

“Despite clear weather warnings, traffickers continue to gamble with human lives. Unless urgent action is taken to protect refugees, these tragedies will persist,” warned Abdusater Esoev, head of IOM’s Yemen operations.

The treacherous journey is well-known for its human toll, with many Ethiopians and Somalis perishing in similar accidents. Thursday’s incident is believed to have involved mostly Ethiopian and Somali refugees, driven by hopes of changing their lives and supporting their families. Many migrants are coerced into paying large sums to traffickers and armed groups, further exacerbating their plight.

The migration route is fraught with peril, both at sea and on land. Thousands of people remain trapped in this cycle of suffering, with IOM estimating that over 60,000 refugees arrived in Yemen last year alone. Tragically, more than 3,400 individuals—580 women and 100 children—have been reported dead or missing during similar crossings.