More African immigrants die on way to Yemen [Archives:2007/1045/Local News]

SANA'A', April, 26 ) At least 18 East African immigrants who were being smuggled by boat to Yemen have died, including eight who were killed after they were thrown overboard in high seas, the United Nations (UN) refugee agency said on Tuesday.

Jennifer Pagonis, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said the new arrivals were abroad a smuggling boat and a transport vessel used to carry fish and cattle. One of the boats arrived at Buroom fishing port in Yemen carrying 60 Somalis and 80 Ethiopians. The other boat arrived 25 km west of Mukalla city in the governorate of Hadramaut carrying 10 Somalis.

“Eyewitnesses from the two boats which made the voyage said that at least 18 people died on the trip – eight people were thrown overboard in high seas and 10 more died due to asphyxia and dehydration.”” Pagonis also adding that the Yemeni authorities have taken 35 Ethiopians into custody. The Somalis