Advisory - Ras Isa, Yemen 

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Please find below our most recent Flash Report. If you have any queries about our reports please contact us at africaops@castorvali.com.

Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

01 May 2025; 1200hrs

Location:

Ras Isa, Yemen

Latitude/Longitude: 

15° 14' 48.00" N, 42° 37' 30.00" E  

Vessel Name, Type, Flag & Status

N/A

Incident Type:

Advisory

Crew status

N/A

Incident Details

Description

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has received multiple reports of vessels anchored at Ras Isa Port, Yemen, being refused permission to depart despite having UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) clearance. Vessels have reported being ordered to proceed to berths alongside their anchorage under threats of violence. At least one incident involved warning shots being fired, and another vessel was boarded by armed personnel. These incidents highlight the threat to vessels visiting Houthi-controlled ports, where they are likely to be held or restricted from safely departing.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported

- UKMTO

Stolen items

- N/A

Key findings

This incident represents a significant escalation in the tactics employed by Houthi forces to control maritime traffic in their area of influence. The use of warning shots and armed boardings to enforce port restrictions, even against vessels with UN clearance, indicates a blatant disregard for international maritime law and UN authority. The Houthis appear to be leveraging their control over port facilities to exert pressure on the international community, possibly in response to ongoing conflicts or sanctions. The effectiveness of the UNVIM system is severely compromised by these actions, potentially disrupting humanitarian aid and commercial shipping in the region. The variety of coercive tactics employed, from threats to actual use of force, suggests a coordinated strategy rather than isolated incidents.

Recommendations

- Vessels should avoid Houthi-controlled ports if possible, even with UNVIM clearance

- If port call is necessary, maintain constant communication with UKMTO and flag state.

- Prepare contingency plans for potential detainment or forced berthing scenarios

Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.

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