A cargo vessel carrying hundreds of livestock departed from the port city of Berbera, Somaliland yesterday and capsized near the Ras al-Aara coast in Lahj region, Yemen. According to reports from Aljazeera and Yemeni media, the vessel was carrying approximately 400 sheep and 150 cattle, with seven crew members onboard. The incident occurred near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. The reports state that the vessel capsized not far from Ras al-Aara, resulting in the death of many of the livestock on board. Some of the animals were able to survive and were found washed up on the beach. Pictures and videos shared on social media show the wreckage of the vessel and the dead livestock. So far, there has been no official statement from agencies or officials in Yemen regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of the seven sailors. More information is expected to be released as the situation develops. This incident is reminiscent of a similar tragedy that occurred a year ago in the same area, where a vessel carrying livestock also capsized. However, local fishermen were able to rescue the crew and some of the animals on board.
