William Spindler People Quotations

Once again, people are dying trying to reach Yemen aboard smuggler's boats crossing the Gulf of Aden from Somalia.

The true numbers can only be guessed at. Thousands of Somalis arrive in Yemen every year, including an estimated average of 100 people per day during the annual September to March period of good sailing weather. Last September, UNHCR called for international action to stem the flow of desperate people across the Gulf of Aden after at least 150 people died in a three-week period.

That horrific voyage is not unusual. Smugglers frequently beat their passengers or force them overboard while still well away from shore. UNHCR has in the past thanked the crews of passing ships who have saved people found drifting helplessly in the shark-infested waters.

In many cases trafficking is the only option. These people can't afford commercial flights or boats.