Fifteen fishermen have been reported missing off the coast of Al-Khawkhah district in Yemen's Hodeidah Governorate for the past two weeks, after departing on a fishing trip that typically lasts no more than a week. Yousef Ghalisi, Director of the Information Office in Al-Khawkhah district, stated that the boat left the port on April 12th for a routine fishing expedition but has not returned since. He noted that all communication with the 15-member crew has been lost. Ghalisi added that local authorities have documented the disappearance of over 55 sailors and fishermen in the region since the beginning of 2023, with their fates remaining unknown and lacking clear explanations for these incidents. He urged the coast guard and humanitarian organizations to intensify search operations, warning of escalating humanitarian consequences given that thousands of families rely on the fishing sector as their primary source of income. |
