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Arabia
Boat capsizes off the coast of Yemen, 22 people dead and 28 missing
2006-01-23
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced Sunday that a smugglers' boat carrying some 120 Ethiopians and Somalis capsized off the coast of Yemen, leaving at least 22 people dead and 28 others missing, according to survivors, Yemeni authorities and the UN refugee agency. According to the refugee agency this is the second tragic incident in the Gulf of Aden in a week. The boat capsized about 15:00 hrs local time Saturday off the Yemeni coast between Bir Ali and Mayfa'a Hajar. According to survivors, the boat had sailed from the northeastern Somalia village of Shimbirale, near the town of Bossaso, carrying approximately 110 Ethiopians, 10 Somalis and five crew members. Bossaso is a major port of departure for smugglers crossing the Gulf of Aden. Yemeni authorities detained 43 Ethiopians -- who do not get automatic refuggee status -- from the vessel. But survivors said another 22 Ethiopians had managed to escape. Two of the boat's crew members were arrested by police, while three escaped.

While reports came in today of the arrival of yet another group of desperate boat people who said they had been forced overboard off the coast of Yemen. Initial reports indicated more casualties were likely.

Thousands of Somalis, Ethiopians and others arrive in Yemen every year after making the perilous voyage in smugglers' boats across the Gulf of Aden from Somalia.
It's like getting on a rickety boat from Haiti to .. Cuba.
On January 16, a boat carrying 65 people reached Yemen after drifting for six days in the gulf with little food or water. Survivors said 20 people died, 16 Somalis and four Ethiopians. Smugglers frequently beat their passengers or force them overboard while still far from shore. According to the refugee agency there are currently more than 80,000 registered refugees in Yemen, including 75,000 Somalis.
Posted by:Seafarious

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