Houthis Fire Warning Shots, Detain Dozens Of Ships At Ras Isa Port

Vessels anchored at Yemen’s Ras Isa oil terminal are being held against their will by Houthi forces, according to a security alert issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on May 1, 2025.

Despite having proper clearance from the United Nations, these ships are not being allowed to leave.

The UKMTO confirmed receiving multiple reports from vessels in the anchorage, revealing that local authorities have blocked departures, with some ships being ordered to move from the anchorage to berths inside the port.

The directions have been enforced with threats of violence, including warning shots and armed boardings.

The issue has been ongoing for the past two weeks following a US airstrike on the Ras Isa oil terminal during the night of April 17-18.

The strike, according to Yemen’s Ministry of Health, killed 74 people and injured at least 171. It is one of the deadliest US attacks in Yemen in recent months.

Satellite signals show that at least a dozen oil tankers and several bulk carriers are currently anchored in the area. Among the ships stuck are vessels linked to Russia and Turkey.

Russian diplomats confirmed that the Seven Pearls, a 53,714 deadweight ton product tanker registered in St. Kitts and Nevis, was at anchor during the attack.

The ship sustained minor damage. Out of 22 crew members, three were injured- one seriously and in need of complex eye surgery, while the other two had less severe injuries.

The Russian embassy said 19 crew members remain onboard, and efforts are underway to evacuate the wounded and remove the ship from the port.

Turkey also confirmed that an LPG carrier named St. Oslo, managed by a Turkish company and registered in Panama, is being held at the port. The vessel has 17 Turkish sailors onboard.

Another Turkish-operated fuel tanker, which has not been officially named, also suffered minor damage while unloading cargo.

Turkish media reports said this ship carries four Turkish nationals, including the captain, along with 22 Indian crew members. It attempted to depart the port but was denied permission and was instead told to wait in a designated zone.

The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which checks vessels to ensure they are not transporting weapons or materials aiding the conflict, had cleared these vessels.

Yet, the Houthis are not allowing them to leave.

Per maritime security experts, the detainment appears to be a strategic move by the Houthis. Some analysts believe that by holding ships, the group is trying to deter military actions by the US, UK and Israel.

Others see it as an attempt to show they still have control over their ports and to avoid appearing vulnerable.

An official from the private security firm EOS Risk Group shared that several clients operating vessels in the area have similar experiences.

The official explained that Houthi forces, including fast attack boats, have been patrolling the Ras Isa anchorage area regularly in recent weeks.

UKMTO says that the threat extends beyond Ras Isa. Other ports under Houthi control, Hodeida and Saleef, also pose serious risks to vessels and crews.

The organisation warned all ships operating in the region to remain cautious.

Since March 15, 2025, US forces have carried out over 800 strikes in Yemen to secure the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.

Reference: UKMTO

Source: Maritime Shipping News