Yemen Coast Guard rescues 27 after four days adrift in Arabian Sea

Yemen's Coast Guard successfully rescued 27 individuals who had been adrift for four days on a disabled vessel in the Arabian Sea. The operation was launched after the Coast Guard received a distress call from the stranded passengers and crew.

The vessel, identified as Sultan Marina, experienced a mechanical breakdown while en route from the Socotra archipelago to Yemen's eastern coast. This failure left its occupants adrift for four days. The Coast Guard received an emergency call pinpointing the vessel's location approximately 64 nautical miles from Nishtun port in Al Mahrah province.

Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched despite difficult sea conditions, characterized by strong winds and significant wave action. The rescue mission lasted over 14 hours, with teams battling adverse weather and sea states to reach the adrift boat. All 27 Yemeni nationals aboard were safely evacuated, and the vessel was towed to Nishtun port.

The successful operation, conducted in coordination with local authorities and other relevant agencies, highlights the dangers faced by mariners navigating Yemen's southern and eastern waters, particularly during adverse weather. The Arabian Sea routes connecting the mainland to Socotra are vital for transport but can become perilous when vessels break down far offshore.