Tragic shipwreck off Djibouti leaves at least 38 migrants dead, many more missing

The UN migration agency reports 38 dead and 22 rescued in a shipwreck off Djibouti en route to Yemen. Search continues for six missing migrants. Djibouti is a major transit point for those heading to Gulf nations, with tens of thousands using the route annually. Migrants face numerous dangers, including trafficking and forced recruitment into warring groups.

The United Nations migration agency says 38 migrants are dead and 22 others have been rescued from a shipwreck off Djibouti on a popular route to Yemen.

Rescue teams searched for six other migrants who were thought to be on board, the International Organization for Migration aid Tuesday.

Djibouti is the main transit country for migrants trying to reach Gulf nations from Horn of Africa nations such as Ethiopia and Somalia in search of work. Tens of thousands use the route every year.

The IOM says the route is dangerous as migrants are targeted by traffickers and can face kidnap, arbitrary arrest and forced recruitment into warring groups, particularly in Yemen.