Nine Filipino seafarers stranded at Yemen’s Ras Isa Port have returned to the Philippines due to escalating conflict in the region. The Department of Migrant Workers is providing them with financial aid, temporary accommodation, and medical assistance. Ras Isa Port has become increasingly dangerous due to ongoing tensions and military activity.
Over 200 seafarers aboard 15 ships near Yemen’s Ras Isa port are preparing to leave for the U.S. following a ceasefire with the Houthi militia. Despite this, threats to shipping persist. The Houthis’ intentions to attack Israeli assets raise concerns over broader maritime safety, complicating the fragile peace.
A recent U.S. military strike on Ras Isa’s fueling infrastructure killed at least 80, raising concerns about seafarer safety at Ras Isa Port amidst ongoing clashes. The UKMTO warns vessels face significant risks, advising ships to reconsider operations near ports impacted by military action. The situation remains tense following a ceasefire announcement.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident involving a vessel 100 nautical miles east of Yemen’s Aden. The crew is safe despite being followed by small boats and shots fired. UKMTO’s quick response emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the maritime industry. Cooperation among authorities is crucial to address potential threats effectively.
Reports on March 16 revealed that a Yemeni fishing boat was hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Puntland. The vessel, with seven hijackers onboard, poses a threat to maritime security in the region. Operation Atalanta is actively monitoring the situation, emphasizing the persistent danger of piracy in the area.
The crew of the Galaxy Leader has been held hostage by Houthis in Yemen for 429 days, but hope arises for their release following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. A Houthi official indicated that the crew could be freed soon, while the global shipping crisis continues to impact the economy significantly.
The Red Sea attackers are making huge profits by extorting ship owners for “protection money,” with Houthi rebels reportedly pocketing $2 billion in the past year. The complex maritime operations and political pressures make it challenging for law enforcement to combat this trend effectively, as funds flow through convoluted routes.
The vessel Sounion is undergoing an offloading operation near the Suez Canal in Egypt, aided by the tug Aigaion Pelagos and the tanker Delta Blue. Despite previous attacks on Delta Blue, the operation is progressing smoothly, with 150,000 tonnes of oil still to be transferred.
Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on merchant ships, focusing on tankers and vessels linked to Israel. The product tanker Olympic Spirit was hit in the Red Sea, with minor damage reported. The militants claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened more strikes on ships associated with Israel, America, and Britain.
Two vessels near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah were damaged by missiles and a sea drone. The Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon and a Liberia-flagged bulker were hit, with the former sustaining damage on its port side tank. Houthi militants claimed responsibility. Crews are safe, and investigations are ongoing.
Israeli warplanes recently launched airstrikes on a seaport and power plants in Yemen in response to Houthi rebel attacks on central Israel. The strikes targeted oil infrastructure in Hodeidah and Ras Issa, with no immediate casualties reported. This reflects ongoing tensions between Israel, the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah in the region.
A team from the international Red Cross visited the 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel, hijacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Hodeidah. Coordinated with local authorities, the visit aimed to monitor detention conditions and facilitate communication with families. Crew members from various countries are reportedly in good health, but some face health issues.
On 2 September, a merchant vessel near Yemen’s Saleef was hit by two missiles according to UKMTO. Despite damage, the crew controlled the situation, avoiding injuries. This incident highlights the risks in the region, where tensions threaten maritime security. International efforts are focused on protecting ships and crews from further attacks, emphasizing the need for vigilance and safety protocols.
Yemen’s Houthi militias targeted the MV Groton with rockets in the Gulf of Aden, the second assault on the vessel. The crew was unharmed, and the ship undamaged. The militants have been conducting attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, posing a threat to maritime trade activities in the region. Diplomatic resolutions are needed to safeguard maritime security.
The UKMTO reported a maritime security incident near Yemen, with a small boat approaching a vessel at high speed. Yemen supports Palestine against Israeli occupation, leading to conflict with Israel. The region’s complexities involve various actors in conflicts and alliances. Efforts to address security challenges are crucial for safe maritime operations in the area.
