Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
A yacht transiting 74 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen, experienced a tense encounter in the early hours of November 21, 2024. According to the yacht’s captain, a group of 12 small craft shadowed the vessel over two hours, with one approaching as close as 1 nautical mile despite evasive maneuvers. All crew remained unharmed, and the yacht has since continued to its next port of call.
The incident was reported to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) who issued a warning to other vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
The incident highlights growing concerns over maritime security in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi rebel attacks on commercial shipping have raised the stakes for vessels navigating these waters. Although no private yachts have been directly targeted, the proximity of the approach underscores the residual risks for pleasure vessels in the region. Houthi forces have ramped up attacks on commercial vessels in the area, deploying advanced weaponry, including drones and anti-ship missiles, alongside more traditional threats like armed small boats. The resulting rise in insurance premiums and security requirements has made the region a no-go zone for many yachts, even those with extensive safety precautions.
According to BOATPro’s Global Fleet Tracker, superyacht activity in the Red Sea plummeted by 71.4% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. For captains and crew, this means adapting to new operational challenges, including finding alternative routes and managing tighter schedules. Yachts previously heading to the Mediterranean through the Red Sea have been forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding time, cost, and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
The insurance landscape has also shifted dramatically. Yachts with affiliations to the US, UK, or Israel face the highest scrutiny, with underwriters often refusing coverage due to heightened risk. When policies are offered, they come with steep premiums, armed escort requirements, and costly kidnap-and-ransom coverage for crew. Some captains report that these measures, while vital, are not always enough to ensure safe passage or peace of mind.
The ripple effects extend to crew planning and long-term itineraries. Owners and operators are increasingly looking at bypassing the Red Sea altogether, favoring destinations in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean.
For now, vessels transiting the area are advised to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and consider the elevated security risks.