Houthis are Detaining and Threatening Vessels in Ras Isa

Reports from Yemen indicate that the Houthi forces have been preventing vessels from departing the Ras Isa port complex for the past two weeks. This follows a U.S. military strike on oil terminal facilities in the area. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed these reports, highlighting the growing risks for maritime operations in Houthi-controlled waters.

Vessels Stuck in Ras Isa Port

Numerous vessels remain anchored at the Ras Isa port, with tracking data showing at least a dozen tankers and several bulk carriers unable to leave. Both Russian and Turkish diplomatic sources have acknowledged the presence of their vessels in the area during the U.S. airstrikes on April 17-18. The U.S. Treasury Department recently identified three vessels that violated permit expirations by unloading petroleum products at the Houthi-controlled port.

Despite having clearance from the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which ensures that vessels are not transporting arms to the Houthis, reports indicate that local authorities are demanding some ships move from anchorage to berth within the port. There have been alarming reports of threats of violence, with UKMTO noting that warning shots were fired at least once. Additionally, armed personnel have reportedly boarded some vessels, raising concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region.

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UKMTO has warned that these incidents underscore the risks for vessels visiting Houthi-controlled ports, stating that ships are “likely to be held or restricted from safely departing.” The situation remains precarious as tensions escalate in the area.

Injuries and Detentions Reported

On April 30, the Russian Embassy in Yemen confirmed that the product tanker Seven Pearls, registered in St. Kitts and Nevis, was among the vessels anchored at Ras Isa. The ship reportedly sustained minor damage during the U.S. bombing, resulting in one crew member requiring complex eye surgery and two others suffering minor injuries. Nineteen Russian crew members remain aboard as efforts are underway to evacuate the injured and remove the vessel from Yemen.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reported that the LPG carrier St. Oslo, registered in Panama and managed by Turkish interests, is being detained at the port, awaiting permission to depart. The vessel has 17 Turkish sailors on board. Additionally, unconfirmed reports from Turkish media suggest that another fuel tanker operated by a Turkish company sustained minor damage while unloading and was denied permission to leave the port. This vessel reportedly has four Turkish crew members, including the captain, and 22 Indian crew members aboard. The situation at the port remains tense, with no vessels allowed to depart following the airstrike, as ships are directed to wait in a designated area.