Yemeni Coast Guard launches search, rescue after African migrant bodies found

HODEIDA, April 12 (YPA) – The Yemeni Coast Guard Authority in the Red Sea sector announced on Friday that it had begun search and rescue operations after the discovery of bodies of African migrants.

“Last Tuesday, our Red Sea sector branch received alerts from surveillance and operational centers south of Hodeida Governorate, indicating the recovery of unidentified bodies washed ashore. Initial observations suggest they were illegal migrants from the Horn of Africa,” the authority said in an official statement.

The statement clarified that upon receiving these reports, immediate directives were issued to all surveillance centers, operational units, fishing port security directors, and naval forces in the sector to “take necessary measures for search, investigation, and rescue missions” in coordination with military units, security forces, fishermen, fishing community leaders, and local agents.

Efforts have so far led to the retrieval of multiple unidentified bodies along the coasts of Al-Durayhimi, Beit Al-Faqih, and At Tuhayta districts. Search operations, patrols, and investigations still ongoing within the designated areas.

Preliminary information confirms the drowning incident occurred off the coast of Al-Mocha, west of Taiz.  A specialized committee has been formed to document the incident and gather details about its circumstances.

The Authority added that it is “coordinating with relevant international organizations to implement necessary procedures in accordance with international and humanitarian laws applicable to such cases.”

@E.Y.M