More than 150 Indian seafarers who had been stuck at Yemen’s Ras Isa port for several months have finally been rescued and brought to safety, India’s maritime authorities confirmed.
The last of the 11 stranded vessels, the MT GAZ GMS, departed the port on June 29, ending a long and tense standoff in one of the most dangerous maritime zones of the region.
The crisis began after an airstrike on April 17 damaged critical infrastructure at the Ras Isa terminal. Soon after, Houthi forces controlling northern Yemen imposed a strict blockade, preventing vessels from leaving until all oil cargo had been fully discharged.
Most of the ships which had been at the port since December 2024, were not allowed to depart. The crews, including over 150 Indian nationals, were trapped on board with limited support and increasing uncertainty.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed that all stranded vessels had now left Yemeni waters after completing cargo operations.
The release of the seafarers was made possible by persistent diplomatic efforts led by the Indian Embassy in Yemen, along with vital assistance from Indian diplomatic missions in London, Riyadh, and Washington D.C.
Officials credited the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways for their consistent support and timely intervention.
Per earlier reports, the ships were being held against their will, even with proper documentation. Armed personnel allegedly boarded commercial vessels, and warning shots were fired in several instances, according to updates from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, raised concerns about the safety of the seafarers, urging all parties to ensure their protection and release.
The Houthis-controlled Ras Isa port, located on Yemen’s western coast, has become a hotspot in the regional conflict. In April, U.S. forces launched targeted strikes on Ras Isa’s oil infrastructure, resulting in multiple casualties.
Recently, Israeli fighter jets conducted a wave of airstrikes on three Yemeni ports, including Ras Isa, claiming the attacks were in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile strikes targeting Israel.
Reference: Directorate General of Shipping
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