Ethiopian migrants drown in Gulf of Aden

Life is not easy in Ethiopia, one of the world's most rapidly growing and poorest countries. Thus, it is not surprising that many look for a better life elsewhere. A favorite route is through Somalia to Yemen, and from there to to Saudi Arabia or even possibly Europe. But, getting smuggled illegally into other other countries is always a risky business and the BBC has reported that as many as 80 Ethiopians drowned when their over-crowded boats capsized in bad weather before reaching Yemen.

Thousands of people attempt the dangerous journey from Africa across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen every year.

The UN's refugee agency says more than 74,000 Africans arrived in Yemen in 2009, fleeing "desperate situations of civil war, political instability, poverty, famine and drought in the Horn of Africa".

Yemen is seen as a gateway to a better life in the Middle East or Europe, but people smugglers often crowd the migrants onto old and unseaworthy vessels.

Hundreds of would-be migrants die before reaching their destination.