By SPA
Sana’a : An official source in the Yemeni Coastguards Authority (YCA) said on Thursday that about 37 Somali refuge-seekers drowned off Shabwa’s coasts and 70 others rescued last Wednesday, Saba reported.
The initial investigations revealed that smugglers, fearing being captured by Yemeni coastguards, had forced passengers to jump out and complete their journey by swimming as they neared the end of their three-day trip a matter that caused drowning 37, including 14 women.
Speaking to Saba, the source said that the 70 rescued persons are very exhausted, noting that the corpses of the dead refugees have been buried on Thursday after finalizing the requisite legal measures.