120 Yemeni Fishermen Return After Surviving Houthi Red Sea Attack

The Fishermen's Association in the city of Al-Khokha, south of Hodeidah, western Yemen, announced today the return of 120 fishermen after they were evacuated from Hanish Island in the Red Sea, following the shelling of their boats by Houthi militias on Thursday, which resulted in the injury of six fishermen and the burning and destruction of 12 boats.

The 2 December Agency quoted the head of the Fishermen's Association in Al-Khokha, Fuad Doublah, as saying that the Houthi shelling occurred around 2:30 PM on Thursday, targeting a fishermen's anchorage near Hanish Island. The targeted boats were carrying more than 120 fishermen who support around 150 families. He noted that the burning of the boats deprived their owners of their sole source of income.

Doublah pointed out that fishermen face increasing dangers at sea due to naval mines and Houthi attacks, noting that a number of fishermen have been killed and others gone missing recently, in addition to the destruction of boats and livelihoods of many families.

The head of the fishermen's association called on the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council to act to protect fishermen, secure Yemeni coasts and islands, and put an end to the ongoing targeting of civilians and their livelihoods.

One of the surviving fishermen recounted the moments of the shelling, explaining that he was performing ablution between two boats in preparation for prayer when he saw a missile fall among the boats, prompting him to dive into the water to save himself, sustaining minor injuries in the process.

The fisherman praised the role of the naval forces and the coast guard, affirming that they provided the survivors with first aid and psychological support, and offered them protection, security, and food until Friday morning, before evacuating them from the island's anchorage and returning them to Al-Khokha city.

The surviving fisherman appealed to the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council to act swiftly to protect fishermen, secure fishing areas, work to liberate Yemeni coasts and islands from the Houthi militia, and put an end to the risks threatening the lives of fishermen and their sources of livelihood.