ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 20 Ethiopian migrants, including nine women and 11 men, were killed when their boat capsized off southern Yemeni coast over the weekend, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday.

The vessel, carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants along with a Yemeni captain and his assistant, reportedly departed from the Hammarta area in Djibouti and capsized on Saturday night "amid strong seasonal winds" near Al-Hajjajah in Dubab District, Taiz Governorate, the IOM said in a statement, adding that the survivors have successfully reached the shore.

"This tragedy is a grim reminder of the treacherous conditions migrants endure in their search for safety and a better life," the statement quoted IOM's Chief of Mission in Yemen Abdusattor Esoev as saying.

"The international community must strengthen its resolve to address the root causes of irregular migration and prioritize the protection and dignity of migrants," Esoev said.

Yemen's coastal waters are among the world's most dangerous. According to IOM statistics, more than 60,000 migrant arrivals in Yemen were documented in 2024 alone. Since 2014, 3,435 deaths and disappearances have been recorded along the Eastern Route, including 1,416 lives lost to drowning.

On Tuesday, a Yemeni government official, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, confirmed that "the incident occurred days ago" and said that dozens of people had died, without providing specific casualty figures. ■