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Attacks carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group are disrupting shipping lanes for both businesses and those who sail on them.

In response to the Israel-Gaza war, the Houthis started firing drones and missiles towards Israel and on 19 November 2023, the Houthis hijacked a commercial ship in the Red Sea.

They have since launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial ships.

Abigail Chin is a seafarer and captain from Malaysia and has been sailing for the past 10 years. She鈥檚 currently working as Second Officer on crude oil tankers.

"We all know the Red Sea history of piracy is quite a concern to everyone, so I felt worried about that, but over time as I have adapted to the new security measures, my apprehension has eased," she says.

For Abigail, this has meant her ships have had to take much longer routes, bypassing the Red Sea completely.

鈥淔rom a seafarer's point of view, it鈥檚 adding stress, psychological strain and anxiety among the crews. Alternative routes such as going to South Africa brings additional challenges like harsher weather conditions, extended time at sea and increased fatigue, all of which impact crew morale and wellbeing."

Image: Abigail stands on the deck of a large ship Credit: Abigail Chin

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