Photos: Yemen’s fishermen risk death in violent international waters

The three-and-a-half-year war in Yemen has caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with two thirds of the population — some 18 million people — relying on humanitarian aid. Fighting hunger and risking death, an estimated 300,000 fishermen still ply the waters off Yemen’s Red Sea coast, where heavy fighting has been underway for months as the coalition tries to pry the port city of Hodeida — a crucial lifeline for aid — from the Iran-aligned rebels.

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Fishermen rest on their boats before working at the main fishing port, in Hodeida, Yemen. Risking their life, an estimated 300,000 fishermen in Yemen still ply the waters of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, where heavy fighting has been underway for months as the coalition tries to pry the port city of Hodeida — a crucial lifeline for aid — from the Iran-aligned rebels. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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Fishing boats docked in Hodeida. Earlier this month, after three days without a catch, some fishermen decided to take their small boat into deeper waters, closer to the invisible boundary off the Red Sea coast enforced by the Saudi-led coalition. That’s when an Apache helicopter swooped in over the waves, its heavy guns causing a frenzy in the churning waters. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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Fishermen load their nets on to a boat before a fishing trip. Everyone jumped in the water. They were so traumatized by the experience that some couldn’t go near the water for two weeks. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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A fisherman holds his catch at the main fishing port in Hodeida. The three-and-a-half-year war in Yemen has caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with two-thirds of the population — some 18 million people — relying on humanitarian aid. International aid agencies say 8 million Yemenis don’t know where their next meal is coming from. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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The fishermen try to avoid the coalition warships, which are on the lookout for weapons smugglers and rebels armed with rockets and explosives. The Houthis have carried out several attacks on ships off Yemen’s coast. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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Fishermen take a break and chew Qat, an amphetamine-like stimulant. Fishermen often share advice on Facebook, warning each other to avoid international waters, to stay 5 kilometers from any ships, and to wave white flags or fish in the air if one approaches them. But, it doesn’t always work. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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In October 2015, coalition ships and Apaches killed 48 fishermen who were heading to an island some 48 kilometers offshore to rest. The governing body in charge of Red Sea fishing in Yemen, which is currently controlled by the Houthis, says more than 220 fishermen have been killed in more than 70 attacks since the fighting broke out in March 2015. (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST

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The fishermen used to stay out at sea for 15 days at a time, but now the trips are much shorter, and the catches smaller. The price of fish has gone up, making it too expensive for many Yemenis. “Hunger is harder than fear,” Ahmed said. “It’s scary for me to go out because I don’t know if I will return or not, but how do I live seeing my family not able to feed itself?” (Hani Mohammed / AP)

UPDATED ON OCT 30, 2018 09:45 AM IST