A Pakistani-operated vessel carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been stranded at a Yemeni port after coming under attack, leaving 24 crew members in a precarious situation. According to diplomatic sources, the vessel was transporting LNG from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Yemen when it was struck, forcing it to remain docked in an area not controlled by the Yemeni government.
The incident occurred 10 days ago, when the ship was reportedly targeted in a drone strike. While no casualties have been reported among the Pakistani crew, the sailors remain stuck aboard the damaged vessel. In a video message, the crew confirmed that they have been unable to leave the ship since the attack, adding that armed Houthi fighters are now present on board and are refusing to allow them to disembark.
The ship’s captain, also a Pakistani national, has urgently appealed for permission to relocate the vessel to Djibouti. He explained that Djibouti would provide a safer location for the LNG carrier, enabling the crew to disembark and receive necessary support. Despite the growing risks, the request remains pending, leaving the crew vulnerable as uncertainty drags on.
Diplomatic officials have confirmed that Pakistan is actively pursuing measures to ensure the safe return of its nationals. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Director General of Ports have been approached for assistance. However, with the vessel situated in a conflict zone, progress has been slow and complicated by regional instability.
Crew members, speaking in their video message, described their ordeal, stressing the urgency of immediate intervention. They warned that conditions aboard the ship are worsening with each passing day, while the looming presence of armed Houthis has heightened their fears. The sailors emphasized that they are not combatants but civilian seafarers caught in a dangerous geopolitical conflict.
The vessel was transporting LNG meant to be offloaded at the Yemeni port, but operations were halted following the attack. Since then, the crew has lived under constant stress, unable to leave the ship and uncertain about their future. Reports suggest that the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen and its coastline, have been exerting tight control over movement in areas under their influence.
The plight of the stranded Pakistanis highlights the increasing risks faced by civilian vessels navigating through waters near Yemen. The Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas have witnessed multiple incidents of drone and missile strikes in recent years, raising concerns over maritime security. Shipping operators have repeatedly warned that civilian crews face severe risks due to ongoing regional conflicts, with little international protection available in such circumstances.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are now focused on negotiating with relevant authorities to secure safe passage for its nationals. Officials stress that the crew’s safety is the top priority, and discussions are underway to facilitate their relocation. However, until concrete action is taken, the sailors remain confined aboard the ship, guarded by Houthi fighters, and waiting for rescue.
The stranded crew has appealed once again to Pakistan’s government and international maritime agencies, urging swift action before the situation escalates further. With the ship still anchored in a conflict zone, time is becoming a critical factor in ensuring their safe evacuation.
