DHAKA: At least 70 people were killed as a boat carrying African migrants has sunk off Yemen’s al-Makha port in western coast.

The Yemeni officials said this which reports the BBC.

The boat, carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants, sank off due to strong winds and rough waves, security officials said.

Tens of thousands attempt to cross the Red Sea into Yemen every year, often in rickety, overcrowded vessels. Hundreds have died making the journey.

Yemen is viewed by many migrants as a gateway to the Middle East or Europe.

The latest sinking occurred on Saturday, with reports of the incident emerging on Sunday.

The Red Sea crossing between the Horn of Africa and Yemen is one of the world’s major migration routes.

BDST: 1122 HRS, DEC 08, 2014