Indian Ocean Outlook

Indian Ocean Outlook © noonsite.com

While unrest continues on the mainland, SY Renaissance III visiting Yemen's island of Socotra report that the welcome for yachts is still as warm as usual. Using an agent they report that check in was simple and hassle free.

"We took a 2-day camping trip to the Dragon Blood Tree Forest and the lagoon, worth every cent. Our agent arranged a local guy to watch the boat and run the genset daily for our fridges and batteries. This is not Yemen, the locals were friendly and the island is super safe."

If travelling down the east coast of Africa from Kenya/Tanzania towards South Africa, OSASA warn cruising boats not to venture near Cabo Delgado Province, the northern-most province of Mozambique. This has been declared a Red Area, due to ISIS and Islamic jihadi activity, and is not a good place to stop or linger. A South African boat that ignored the warnings was boarded this year by gunmen and held captive for several days - do not attempt to make landfall in Cabo Delgado.

Several recent issues with visas and vaccinations for sailors entering South Africa have prompted OSASA to remind anyone planning to visit the country to ensure they understand visa and health vaccination requirements before they arrive.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.