Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Yemen

Maritime Safety Notice – Red Sea Waters

(Multiple commercial vessels attacked near Port of Hodeidah, Yemen)

Two recent attacks have occurred in the Red Sea waters near the Port of Hodeidah, Yemen, involving commercial vessels.

On Sunday, July 6, the MV Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged vessel owned by a Greek shipping company, was reportedly attacked and sunk by Houthi forces using maritime drones and handheld weapons (RPGs). 

Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by a nearby UAE-flagged vessel after evacuating safely.

On Monday, July 7, another Greek-operated vessel, Eternity C, was also attacked. 

• ●As of July 10, four crew members are confirmed dead, and 19 remain missing.

Since November 2023, the Houthi forces have been persistently targeting vessels connected to Israel—either by port of origin/destination or by ownership. The Houthis have officially claimed responsibility for both attacks on MV Magic Seas and Eternity C.

In this regard, Korean-flagged vessels, or any vessels planning to transit the Red Sea near Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, are strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance. 

Should any threats be detected, immediate contact with the Korean Embassy in Yemen or the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) Situation Room is requested.

[Safety Measures for Korean Vessels Navigating Near the Red Sea]

1. Pre-Entry Measures

1.1. Conduct pre-checks of all navigation and communication equipment (AIS, VHF, satellite phone, etc.).

1.2. Be prepared to implement security measures equivalent to Ship Security Level 2 if necessary.

1.3. Conduct an SSAS test and notify MOF Situation Room at least 24 hours prior to entering the Strait of Hormuz.

1.4. Strengthen watchkeeping schedules based on ship conditions.

1.5. Ensure emergency contact networks with relevant authorities are up to date.

1.6. Stock sufficient supplies, food, and fuel in advance.

2. During Navigation or Anchorage

2.1. Keep AIS operational at all times; however, it may be turned off if deemed necessary due to threats such as piracy.

2.2. Maintain direct communication with the MOF Situation Room and the ROK Navy’s Cheonghae Unit.

2.3. Reinforce watchkeeping including anchorage watches; captains should supervise critical navigation periods directly.

2.4. When possible, sail during nighttime and choose southern routes around the Strait of Hormuz.

3. In Case of Emergency or Threat Detection

3.1. Immediately report to the MOF Situation Room, shipping company security officer, and the Cheonghae Unit.

3.2. Activate emergency response according to the ship’s manual, including SSAS signal transmission or distress call.

[Emergency Contacts for Relevant Domestic and International Authorities]

1.MOF Situation Room (24/7)

Tel: +82-44-200-5895 ~ 5896

Fax: +82-44-200-5883, 5886

Email: mof5896@korea.kr

Website: www.gicoms.go.kr

2.Cheonghae Unit (45th Deployment, ROK Navy – ROKS 'Munmu the Great', as of June 2025)

Tel: +82-70-7998-8402, +82-70-7998-8625

Note: Units rotate every 4 months. Please confirm with GICOMS.

3.Consular Call Center, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24/7)

Tel: +82-2-3210-0404

4.International Safety Operations Center, MOFA (24/7)

Tel: +82-2-2100-8574, 8572, 8570

Fax: +82-2-2100-7966

5.Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Yemen

Tel: +966-11-488-2211

Email: yemen@mofa.go.kr

6.UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations)

Tel: +44-2392-222060

Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org

Website: www.ukmto.org

7.MSC-HOA (Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa)

Tel: +44-1923-958545

Email: postmaster@mschoa.org

Website: www.mschoa.org

7.Oman Maritime Security Center

WhatsApp message to: +968-9140-0430 (App installation required)