Crews aboard merchant vessels sailing through the Red Sea have recently begun adding unusual notes to their public tracking systems (AIS), in an attempt to avoid attacks by the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen.
In the wake of Houthi attacks near the entrance to the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, some ships have started broadcasting declarations about the nationality or religion of their crew, such as "All crew Muslim", to make clear they have no connection to Israel.
Video: Direct hit by the Houthis – the sinking of the Greek vessel Eternity C
The move comes after a week in which the Houthis sank two vessels, resuming their attacks after a months-long lull. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated the group's policy that any cargo linked to Israel would be barred from passage through the Red Sea. Despite attempts at subterfuge, including claims of Chinese crew members or onboard armed guards, maritime security experts warned that the Houthis' intelligence-gathering capabilities are growing increasingly sophisticated, keeping the risk of being attacked high.
These renewed assaults have sent insurance costs for shipping in the area soaring, more than doubling in just one week. Some insurers have even ceased covering voyages through the Red Sea altogether.
