At least 35 migrants fleeing Africa were feared drowned after their boat sank off the Yemeni coast Monday, Yemeni state-run Saba news agency reported.

The small smuggling boat was carrying 49 Africans. It sank Monday off southwest coast of Yemen between Miyun Island and Thubab coast after it capsised due to strong currents and waves.

Commander of the 17th Infantry Brigade Brig. Saleh al-Sobari explained that the brigade patrols managed to rescue 13 people, icluding five Somalis and eight Ethiopians, and recovered a body of a Somali.

The search is ongoing for survivors. There were 35 Somalis missing after the boat sank, al-Sobari added.