Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Rescuers found 25 bodies and were searching for survivors or more bodies off the coast of southern Yemen, a Yemeni official told Reuters.
The United Nations refugee agency said at least 26 people died when smugglers transporting them across the Gulf of Aden forced them overboard off the coast of Yemen.
"Survivors said the boat carrying about 120 people stopped offshore in deep water on Tuesday and all passengers were forced overboard at gunpoint. They said those who refused were pushed and beaten. Some were killed," Geneva-based UNHCR said in a statement.
At least 74 survivors made it to the beach and were taken to a UNHCR centre, it said.
Dozens have been killed this year in similar conditions as many African migrants try to reach Yemen, which they see as a gateway to wealthier parts of the Middle East, and the West. (Reporting by Mohamed Sudam; writing by Firouz Sedarat; editing by Elizabeth Piper)
Source: Reuters, Sept 10, 2008