Port of Socotra, port in Yemen
The Port of Socotra is a jetty on the main island of Yemen in the Indian Ocean. The facility has a 135-meter dock with depths ranging from 4.5 to 6 meters to accommodate smaller and medium-sized vessels, and is equipped with a crane and forklift for cargo operations.
The facility was built in 1996 to supply the island with food, fuel, and essential goods. After damage from a tsunami in 2004 and two hurricanes in 2015, the dock was expanded and reinforced with support from the United Arab Emirates.
The port serves as a meeting point where local people connect with the outside world and conduct trade. The activity at the jetty reflects the daily rhythm of island life, where the arrival and departure of ships mark important moments in the community.
Visitors should arrive during daylight and stay at least 10 miles offshore to avoid sandbanks and strong currents. The area is calm and straightforward to navigate, but nighttime arrivals are not recommended due to limited lights and unmarked cargo ships anchored in the water.
The port provides access to an island with over 700 plant species found nowhere else on Earth, including the distinctive Dragon Blood Tree. This exceptional biodiversity makes a visit a rare chance to explore one of the region's most isolated tropical environments.
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