116 Sri Lankans stranded at Yemen port

Authorities have seized two boats containing 116 Sri Lankan men after they had illegally entered Yemeni waters.

The Sri Lankans, many without passports, arrived on August 16 and August 26.

The two small ships did not receive Yemeni approval to enter Aden port.

The Sri Lankans were said to be seeking food and fuel supplies at the time.

Yemeni authorities are questioning the captains of the ships, which were bound for the Red Sea, the official said.

Port officials have refused to let the ships depart with their passengers, saying the boats are too overcrowded.

Arrangements are underway between authorities and the ships' owners to send a larger vessel to take the passengers.

Before sailing to Yemen, the ships had entered several ports attempting to smuggle passengers on to ships bound for other countries, the official said without elaborating.

The Sri Lankans are being held in a port arrival hall and are receiving refreshments, the official said.