US navy calls on US-flagged commercial vessels in Red Sea to turn off receivers

MANAMA, March 19 (YPA) – The US Maritime Administration has called on ships flying the US flag to turn off their transmitters and receivers when crossing the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in order to hinder determining their locations and avoid being attacked.

“The AIS transmitters and receivers-equipped commercial ships flying the United States flag that pass the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, are at increased risk of attack from hostile parties.” It said in a statement.” The US-flagged commercial vessels operating in these areas are strongly advised to turn off their AIS transponders in order to prevent vessel exposure.”

The statement explained that turning off the transmitters and receivers hinders the ability to accurately track and target the ship.

AA