A merchant vessel successfully defended itself against an armed attack from multiple small crafts off the coast of Yemen, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre. The crew remained safe during the confrontation, which highlights ongoing security concerns in crucial shipping lanes amid improving maritime conditions.
The Department of Migrant Workers has announced the repatriation of Filipino seafarers previously held hostage by Houthi rebels. The crew of the MV Eternity C has safely arrived in Muscat, Oman, as efforts continue to finalize their return to the Philippines. This situation underscores the dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
A dramatic rescue unfolded off Yemen’s coast after the MV Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged LPG carrier, exploded and caught fire. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, led by Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, swiftly responded, rescuing 24 crew members. However, two remain missing, prompting warnings to nearby vessels about the hazardous situation.
A ship caught fire in the Gulf of Aden after being struck by a projectile, prompting the crew to prepare for abandonment. This incident coincides with ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on vessels in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the vessel’s distress and initiated a search-and-rescue operation.
The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has issued new FAQs, ensuring safe passage for vessels in key maritime regions, provided they aren’t linked to sanctioned entities. While this initiative aims to facilitate transit, experts warn it may primarily serve to legitimize Houthi control rather than genuinely assist maritime operations.
The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that nine Filipino crew members from the MV Eternity C are held by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated they are coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure the seafarers’ safe release following the vessel’s attack and sinking on July 7.
Yemen has announced the establishment of a humanitarian operations center aimed at collaborating with international shipping companies to minimize unintended damage in regional waters. This initiative reflects Yemen’s commitment to maritime security and responsible engagement in the area. President Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines set by the armed forces.
The Directorate General of Shipping announced that 11 ships carrying 150 Indian seafarers have set sail from Yemen’s Ras Isa port, following a significant maritime crisis triggered by an April air raid. MT GAZ GMS was the last vessel to depart on June 29, 2025, after extensive diplomatic efforts.
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.
