17 Turkish crew members trapped aboard ship during bombardment in Yemen

Seventeen Turkish sailors working aboard the ST. OSLO vessel are stranded off the coast of Yemen, currently somewhere between the Kamaran island and As Saif amid ongoing U.S. bombardment targeting nearby ships.

The situation was captured on mobile phone footage by the crew.

The LPG tanker, operating under the Panama flag, was anchored off Yemen when at least 20 bombs narrowly missed the ship.

The sailors have urgently requested assistance to evacuate before they become targets of the attacks.

Rising tensions near Yemen’s Ras Isa Port

The ST. OSLO has been trapped since April 17, as strikes continue to disrupt maritime activities near the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port.

The ship’s owner, Zedko Ship Management Services, stated that the vessel is not officially “trapped” but is awaiting permission to depart from Yemeni port authorities, maintaining regular communication with the crew.

However, videos filmed by the sailors show the intensity of the shelling and the immediate danger they face.

Broader conflict escalation: Migrant center hit

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi-controlled media reported that U.S. airstrikes on Sunday targeted a migrant shelter in Saada province, resulting in at least 68 deaths and 47 injuries.

The shelter, housing 115 African migrants, was reportedly supervised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV released footage showing the aftermath, including widespread destruction and rescue efforts.

The United States has not immediately commented on the claims, but reports indicate that since March 15, U.S. forces have conducted over 1,200 airstrikes across Yemen, killing more than 225 civilians, according to Houthi sources.

Ongoing Red Sea tensions and military operations

The U.S. military’s “Operation Rough Rider” has sought to curb Houthi attacks on shipping routes vital to global trade through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), over 800 targets have been struck, including command centers and advanced weapons facilities.

Despite the strikes, Houthi forces continue to launch attacks against U.S. and Israeli vessels, though CENTCOM claims the effectiveness of these assaults has significantly declined.