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UN Voices Concern Over Number of Deaths in The Gulf of Aden

The United Nations refugee agency today reported that another 16 people have drowned and another five are missing - nearly all of them Somalis fleeing strife in their homeland - in two separate incidents.

The agency voiced alarm at the growing number of deaths in the Gulf of Aden this year.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 89 people are known to have drowned in January and February alone - compared to 15 during the whole of 2010.

"We also note with the great concern the resurgence of violence and inhumane treatment by smugglers of the refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants that they are transporting. The deadly record for the first three months is a stark manifestation of this trend."-UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic

The agency expressed concern after survivors from the latest incidents said that their cries for help while at sea to a nearby foreign naval ship and cargo vessel went unheeded.

The UNHCR appeals to all shipmasters in the Gulf of Aden to uphold the long-standing tradition of rescue at sea and helping vessels in distress.

On Wednesday a boat carrying 45 Somali refugees sank some two kilometres off the Yemeni shores near the town of Murais, more than 300 kilometres east of Aden, after it reportedly ran into heavy winds and rough seas. Fifteen of those on board are known to have drowned and five are missing, while 25 people managed to swim to shore.

Source: United Nations