24 Pakistanis Stranded in Yemen Waters
A dangerous situation has unfolded off the coast of Yemen, where 24 Pakistani nationals, including the captain of a cargo vessel, are trapped following an attack on their ship.
Pakistani diplomatic sources confirmed that, fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, officials described the circumstances as “extremely alarming,” with urgent calls for international assistance.
Ship Attacked by Drone
According to details, the affected vessel departed Iran’s Bandar Abbas port carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) bound for Yemen. The ship entered waters outside the control of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, making the crew vulnerable to armed groups operating in the region.
In a video message released around ten days ago, the stranded Pakistani crew revealed that the ship had been hit by a drone. They alleged that Houthi rebels intercepted the vessel, preventing it from leaving port and placing the crew under tight restrictions.
“The rebels are not allowing us to disembark, nor are they letting us move the vessel,” one crew member said in the footage.
Crew Appeals for Urgent Help
The Pakistani sailors appealed directly to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Director General of Ports and Shipping for immediate help. They urged authorities to secure permission for the ship to sail to Djibouti, a nearby safe harbor, where they could protect both themselves and the vessel.
In their video, the men sounded visibly distressed, warning that their situation could worsen if timely action was not taken. Their families in Pakistan, meanwhile, are anxiously awaiting news of a rescue.
Government Response Underway
The Government of Pakistan has taken notice of the incident and launched efforts to secure the crew’s safe return. Diplomatic sources confirmed that Islamabad is in contact with international organizations and regional stakeholders to negotiate a solution.
Officials are said to be exploring multiple channels, including cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and friendly nations with influence in Yemen. However, no timeline for the sailors’ evacuation has yet been shared publicly.
Rising Risks in Red Sea Shipping
The crisis highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Yemen’s conflict, ongoing since 2014, has frequently spilled over into the maritime domain.
Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have targeted vessels linked to rival nations in recent years. Several cargo ships and oil tankers have come under attack by drones or missiles, disrupting global trade routes.
Security analysts warn that civilian crews, like the 24 Pakistanis now stranded, are often caught in the middle of geopolitical rivalries. According to the International Chamber of Shipping, attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea have increased by more than 30 percent over the past three years.
Hopes Rest on Diplomatic Breakthrough
While Pakistan’s foreign ministry has assured the sailors’ families that every effort is being made, uncertainty continues to hang over the trapped crew. With their appeals for urgent assistance still unanswered, the men remain confined to a vessel they cannot leave, in waters they cannot safely navigate.
For now, their only hope lies in swift diplomatic negotiations that could secure their relocation to Djibouti or another safe port. Until then, the 24 Pakistanis remain in limbo — waiting for a lifeline amid the dangers of Yemen’s conflict-ridden seas.
