Sanaa, Yemen: The death toll from a migrant boat capsizing off Yemen’s southern coast has climbed to 68, with 74 individuals still unaccounted for as of Sunday, according to local officials in Abyan province.

The accident occurred around 11:00 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) on Saturday night, when a boat carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants overturned in rough seas.

Rescue operations began early Sunday, with teams recovering bodies scattered along the coastline of Abyan. Twelve survivors were pulled from the sea and rushed to Shaqra General Hospital for emergency treatment. Health officials report that some survivors are in critical condition due to hypothermia and exhaustion.

Abdul Qader Bajamil, director of the Abyan health office, confirmed the death toll and stated that the recovered bodies are being identified and prepared for burial in coordination with local authorities. Designated burial areas have been established near the provincial capital, Zinjibar.

The migrants, all of Ethiopian origin, were reportedly attempting to reach Yemen en route to Gulf states in search of employment, following a common but highly dangerous smuggling route across the Gulf of Aden. Yemeni security officials described the vessel as operated by traffickers and stressed the continued risk posed by such sea crossings, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

The incident adds to the mounting death toll among African migrants using the Horn of Africa–Yemen corridor. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has previously labelled it one of the most perilous migration routes globally. More than 3,400 migrants have died or gone missing on this route over the past decade, including 1,400 due to drowning.

In light of the tragedy, local officials have renewed calls for stronger regional and international cooperation to address irregular migration, improve search-and-rescue capabilities, and implement safety measures in Yemeni waters. Rough weather in the Gulf of Aden is expected to persist, potentially hindering ongoing recovery efforts.

Humanitarian groups, including IOM, have begun mobilising resources to assist in rescue, medical care, and logistical support for those affected by the tragedy.