Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A small livestock vessel was intercepted on July 24, 2025, while en route from the Somali port of Bosaso to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ship, identified as Merinos Livestock (2,200 tons), was reportedly seized in the Red Sea, near the strategically sensitive Hanish Islands, located approximately 30 nautical miles from the Yemeni port city of Mocha.
According to preliminary information, the vessel deviated from its declared course and turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), a move that raised suspicions among regional security forces. Sources indicate that this may have contributed to its interception by maritime authorities.
Eyewitness accounts from coastal residents and regional monitoring agencies suggest the ship may have been mistaken for a potential threat due to recent regional hostilities and heightened tensions involving Houthi forces in Yemen. However, as of now, the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the seizure.
Reports indicate that a wooden patrol boat approached the livestock vessel as it passed near the Hanish Islands. There are unconfirmed accounts of a brief exchange of light fire, after which the ship was ordered to divert to the port of Mocha under escort.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) monitoring center later confirmed that the vessel was under the control of the Yemeni coast guard. The Reuters news agency has since reported that the ship was captured but subsequently released. No crew injuries have been reported, and the status of the livestock cargo remains unclear.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including why the ship’s AIS was turned off in a region known for maritime insecurity. Security analysts believe the incident highlights the growing risks for commercial vessels operating near the Yemeni coastline, especially amid the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis and other regional actors.