Dangerous waters: Hodeidah fishermen risk lives to make a catch

An estimated 300,000 fishermen still ply the waters of Yemen's Red Sea coast amid the battle to recapture Hoidedah from Houthi rebels

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An estimated 300,000 fishermen still ply the waters of Yemen's Red Sea coast amid the Saudi-led coaltion's battle to recapture Hoidedah from Houthi rebels.

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.

The fishermen share advice on Facebook, warning each other to avoid international waters, to stay five kilometers from any ships, and to wave white flags or fish in the air if one approaches them.

Read more: Battle for Hodeidah erupts as pro-government forces strike Houthi rebels

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 as a result, making it too expensive for many Yemenis and further squeezing the fishermen.

"Hunger is harder than fear," says fisherman 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?"