Priority Broadcast Alert – Indian Ocean Region

UPDATE02: A Comoros-flagged general cargo vessel was reportedly damaged as a result of the IDF airstrikes against the port of Hodeidah. Ambrey observed that the vessel was in port at the time of the attack and ceased AIS transmission at 14:22 UTC. Satellite imagery in the attack’s aftermath showed a vessel with similar dimensions at the dock with what appeared to be three direct impacts. Reports indicated the vessel had since sunk. No casualties have been reported. Ambrey also observed a San-Marino-flagged bulk carrier alongside during the airstrike. It ceased AIS transmission at 12:10 UTC and was not visible at berth on available satellite imagery.
UPDATE01: The IDF carried out multiple airstrikes on the port of Hodeidah. The attack reportedly consisted of twelve airstrikes targeting three of the port’s loading platforms. The IDF stated that the attack was carried out ‘in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel’ and targeted a ‘military infrastructure site’ at the port. In addition, the Israeli Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, stated that the purpose of the attack was to “ensure the continuation of the maritime and air blockade” against the Houthis. A spokesperson for the Houthis claimed that Houthi air defences successfully disrupted the Israeli attack. Based on AIS data, Ambrey observed three merchant vessels in the port and an additional nine merchant vessels in the anchorage when the attack took place. At the time of writing, no casualties or damage to merchant vessels had been reported.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued an evacuation order for the port of Hodeidah, Yemen. The warning stated: “The [Israel] Defense Forces will strike in the coming hours in the area marked on the map in light of the military activities carried out by the terrorist Houthi regime.” The IDF further called for “all those present at Hodeida Port and the ships moored there to evacuate the area immediately”.
ADVICE: Ambrey advises all vessels alongside Hodeidah to take up a holding position in the anchorage. The crew is also advised to remain within the designated Safe Muster Point (SMP) during attacks on infrastructure. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low-down in the superstructure.