Marooned Mariners Near Yemen Set to Depart Following Ceasefire Agreement

Screengrab from a YouTube video by The Sudan Times

After weeks of being stuck, around 200 seafarers on more than 15 ships off Yemen’s Ras Issa port are finally gearing up to unload their cargo. This shift comes after a ceasefire deal between the U.S. and the Houthi group, as reported by maritime and labor union sources.

These vessels, primarily tankers loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, have been trapped near Ras Issa in western Yemen’s Al Hudaidah Governorate due to escalating conflict as late 2023. A ship tracking service confirmed that at least one vessel began moving into the port on Thursday for unloading.

However, maritime officials warn that danger levels in the Red Sea remain elevated. The houthis have indicated they will continue targeting assets linked to Israel, raising alarms about the safety of passing ships.

Past experiences highlight that even vessels with no connections to Israel have faced attacks, leaving no assurance of safe passage through these waters.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an end to airstrikes against Iran-backed houthis in exchange for their commitment not to attack U.S. ships in this vital shipping lane for global trade. Yet just a day later, Houthi representatives clarified that this ceasefire does not extend to Israel or its allies; they intend to maintain operations supporting Palestinians in gaza.The recent U.S.-led air campaign has severely damaged infrastructure around Ras Issa and jeopardized crew safety. Reports indicate several crew members were injured due to nearby strikes while at least two vessels were prevented from departing by Houthi forces.

Houthi officials claim this new agreement with Washington allows ships safe access into Ras Issa for unloading without interference. While some vessels are approaching the port again, industry leaders and seafarers remain skeptical about actual safety conditions.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), part of the UK navy’s efforts in maritime security, has received reports of armed personnel boarding vessels and issuing threats against crews attempting departure—some even involving warning shots fired as intimidation tactics.

In a statement from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers globally, it was revealed they are directly communicating with approximately 15 crews still stranded at Ras Issa. Many sailors report being unable to leave or evacuate despite claims of a ceasefire; ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton emphasized that these sailors “need more than promises; they require guaranteed safe passage home.”

Emotional distress is also taking its toll on crew members who face contract issues—one sailor shared via email how their employment contracts expired months ago while families grow increasingly anxious about their well-being.

Bloomberg noted over a dozen ships remain anchored near Ras Issa as crews wait weeks just for permission to offload cargo and depart safely.A senior officer aboard one oil tanker expressed uncertainty regarding whether unloading would be possible even after news of the ceasefire broke.

While recent airstrikes may have ceased temporarily, Israeli jets conducted strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port following drone attacks launched by Houthis aimed at Israel last week—a reminder that tensions persist despite diplomatic efforts.Shipping companies like Wallenius Wilhelmsen have stated they won’t resume operations through the Red Sea until full safety can be guaranteed; CEO Lasse Kristoffersen mentioned there is currently no clear evidence indicating secure conditions for crews traveling through these waters.As november 2023 alone, Houthis reportedly executed over 100 attacks on commercial shipping within the Red Sea—sinking two vessels and claiming four lives among seafarers during this tumultuous period.Although there haven’t been any known incidents since January regarding direct attacks on shipping routes recently affected by conflict dynamics continue casting doubt over global shipping reliability.

References: Reuters, Bloomberg