by Lloyd's List

30 September 2024 (Lloyd's List) - SEVEN merchant vessels were at Hodeidah when the Yemeni port was hit by an Israeli air strike on September 29, maritime security company Ambrey reported.

An additional two vessels were at Ras Isa, which was also targeted by the Israeli Defence Force.

A statement from the IDF said it targeted power plants and port facilities that “were used by the Houthis to transfer Iranian weapons to the region, in addition to military supplies and oil”.

“Over the past year, the Houthis have been operating under the direction and funding of Iran, and in co-operation with Iraqi militias, in order to attack the State of Israel, undermine regional stability, and disrupt global freedom of navigation,” the IDF said.

Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said four people had died in the attacks. 

According to Reuters, Ambrey sent an advisory on Friday, September 27 describing the risk to vessels calling at Israeli ports as “elevated”.

The security company has advised merchant shipping to designate a “safe muster point” above the waterline within the accommodation block to retreat to when sirens are sounded.

“Vessels are advised to reduce crew deck movements and bridge manning to a minimum while operating in the vicinity,” Ambrey said.