Yemen Detains Sanctioned Tanker After Armed Guards Fire On Coast Guard Patrol Following Houthi Port Call

The Yemeni Coast Guard has detained the Comoros-flagged tanker NEREIDA in the Gulf of Aden after it unloaded cargo at the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port without government approval.

The tanker was stopped after leaving Ras Isa and heading toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Authorities said the tanker first refused to stop when ordered.

Armed personnel on board then fired at a Coast Guard patrol boat. The tanker later stopped and was escorted to Aden.

Yemen’s Coast Guard Authority said NEREIDA had entered Ras Isa in Al-Hudaydah governorate and unloaded its cargo without approval from the Yemeni government.

The tanker did not follow orders to stop, authorities said. Armed security personnel aboard then opened fire toward the patrol boat.

NEREIDA Switched Off AIS

The Coast Guard said NEREIDA switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) during parts of its voyage.

The vessel’s AIS signal briefly appeared again south of Hodeidah after it left Ras Isa and headed toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Coast Guard later intercepted the tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

Authorities have started an investigation into the voyage, cargo and ship documents. They are also looking into the vessel’s entry into Ras Isa.

The investigation will also cover the AIS shutdown, the tanker’s initial refusal to stop and the shooting involving the Coast Guard patrol.

Cargo Unloaded Without UNVIM Procedures

Yemen’s Coast Guard Authority said NEREIDA unloaded its cargo at Ras Isa without prior government approval. It also said the vessel did not follow the required UNVIM procedures.

UNVIM was set up in December 2015 at the request of the Yemeni government. It checks vessels and cargo heading to Yemeni ports outside government control and ensures they comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

UNVIM is based in Djibouti and managed by the UN Office for Project Services. It handles clearance and inspection procedures for commercial vessels bound for these ports.

The Yemeni government suspended clearances for Ras Isa in June 2017. UNVIM currently issues clearances for Hodeidah and Saleef.

Ras Isa is controlled by the Houthi group.

NEREIDA Is Under U.S. Sanctions

NEREIDA is under U.S. sanctions. Yemeni authorities said the tanker is also listed under its former name, PETERPAUL.

The vessel was built in 1998. It is a 35,994-dwt chemical/products tanker and is 175 metres long.

It was sailing under the Comoros flag when it was intercepted.

NEREIDA was taken to the port of Aden after the interception.

No casualties have been reported. The Houthi group has not commented on the incident.

References: AA, yemenmonitor