ADEN, Sept 29 (NNN-SABA) – Yemeni local authority on Socotra Island, announced that, a ferry carrying an estimated 55 people went missing, in the Indian Ocean, off the country’s eastern coast.
Socotra’s local authority said, “We received a report today (Saturday) that a ferry went missing after leaving the port of Mahrah towards Socotra Island, with 55 people on board.”
An official of the local authority in Socotra said, “We made necessary communications with the Saudi-led coalition, after receiving the information and a search and rescue operation was launched.”
A Yemeni official, Raed Huraibi, said, the ferry, owned by a local trader, left the country’s province of Mahrah on Wednesday, but failed to arrive.
Military units of the Saudi-led Arab coalition have been stationed in Mahrah, in an attempt to enhance security and combat smuggling operations.
Other Yemeni security units, backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are present on the Island.
Socotra is a UNESCO world natural heritage site, protected by the UN body for its unique flora and fauna.– NNN-SABA