Ethiopian refugees cramped together on their three-day boat ride to Yemen

The desperate political and economic conditions in Somalia and Ethiopia have led thousands of people across that region to attempt to cross the gulf of Aden to search for a better life in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. 

It is at this point that callous human traffickers exploit their desperate situation.

Promising a passage across the sea for $40 they cram more than 100 people into 30 foot wooden vessels and set out for the three-day passage. For three long hellish days these people are without drinking water, food, or even room to move. They are seasick, cramped and dehydrated.

The 'crew' keeps their human 'cargo' under control by continually beating them and throwing overboard anyone who disobeys. When they approach the Yemeni shore, the exhausted refugees are forced to get into the water and swim the rest of the way. Unable to make it, many drown.

Many of the victims are abused by their traffickers

Thousands have taken this hellish voyage. According to UNHCR, 59 boats brought more than 1,700 desperate people to the coasts of Yemen last month, compared to August 2007, when 633 people landed in 10 boats. 

French journalist Daniel Grandclement follows in their footsteps, boarding one of these boats at risk to his own life, filming exactly what takes place and putting a human face to this tragedy.

This episode of People & Power aired from September 20, 2008