- Final Vessel MT GAZ GMS Departs Yemen on June 29.
- Directorate Confirms All 11 Stranded Vessels Have Sailed.
- Airstrike and Houthi Blockade Triggered Months-Long Crisis.
India has successfully managed to bring home over 150 Indian seafarers who were stuck at Ras Isa Port in Yemen, as stated by the Directorate General of Shipping. This operation wraps up a lengthy maritime crisis that was sparked by regional conflicts and damage to the port’s infrastructure, reports gCaptain.
Final Vessel Departs; Official Statement Issued
“The Directorate General of Shipping is pleased to inform that all 11 vessels stranded at Ras Isa Port, Yemen, carrying over 150 Indian seafarers, have successfully sailed out after the completion of cargo discharge operations,” the press release stated. The final ship, MT GAZ GMS, departed the port on June 29, marking the full exit of all detained vessels.
Crisis Triggered by Airstrike and Houthi Blockade
The crisis kicked off on April 17, 2025, when an airstrike hit Ras Isa Port, damaging its infrastructure and leading Iranian-backed Houthi forces to impose a blockade. The Directorate reported that some ships had been stuck since December 2024, as authorities held back departure clearances until all cargo was unloaded. Thanks to extensive international collaboration, a breakthrough was finally achieved.
This progress came about through sustained diplomatic efforts led by the Indian Embassy in Yemen, with strong backing from Indian Missions in London, Riyadh, and Washington D.C., as stated by the Directorate.
Ras Isa Port Emerges as Flashpoint in Red Sea Crisis
In early May, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed worries about the safety of seafarers held at Ras Isa. Reports from UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicated that vessels were being detained even with valid clearances, with some ships facing armed boardings and warning shots.
International Strikes Escalate Regional Tensions
Military actions have only added to the tension in the region. In April, the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Ras Isa, reportedly targeting fuel infrastructure and resulting in casualties. Just this past Monday, Israel struck three Yemeni ports, including Ras Isa, in retaliation for ongoing Houthi attacks.
The instability persisted this week, with the Liberian-flagged M/V Magic Seas being attacked on Sunday and reportedly sinking, while Israel announced a successful strike on the M/V Galaxy Leader, a vessel that had been held by Houthi forces since November 2023.
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Source: gCaptain
