Coll 6/88 'Intelligence: Military Report on Arabia (C.B. 1892).' [‎27r] (58/133)

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HODEIDA AND RAS KETHIB
(Lat. 14° 48' N., Long. 42° 55' E.)
{See Plan No. 3 and Admiralty Chart 14.)
(1) General Remarks
HODEIDA ROADS is an open anchorage, unsuitable as an advanced naval base. During
the winter months, from September to May, the prevailing winds are from the south-west,
accompanied by a heavy swell. During this period tho wind often blows with considerable
force for four or five days, followed usually by a short calm of one or two days duration.
When winds are strong the swell renders all forms of service boat transport very hazardous,
and in these conditions it is advisable to use only native craft. During the summer months
the winds are from north to west and are not so strong.
RAS KETHIB, about 8 miles north of HODEIDA ROAD, is classed as a “ D ”
anchorage, with 4 fathoms in the approach and from 4 to 6 fathoms in the anchorage. It
is unsuitable for defence and visible from seawards. The anchorage which is accessible to
small cruisers and destroyers, is 3 miles long by miles wide, with good holding ground.
Extensive reefs protect it from the south and west, making it a suitable anchorage for the
winter months.
A considerable trade is carried out by dhows all down the coast.
(2) Port Facilities
The harbour consists of two projecting moles and a breakwater, and gives no protection
to small craft during rough weather. The harbour has silted up considerably between the
moles, and the only possible method of landing is by motor boat and skiff ; the best times
are before 0800 or after 1600 owing to the strong north-westerly wind which blows during the
day. The two jetties can just accommodate a skiff at low water. Dhows anchor off the
jetties and produce is carried on the backs of labourers or slaves. The rise and fall of the
tide is about 3 ft., but it is very dependent on the direction of the wind.
In spite of the large amount of trade handled by the port, the facilities are very poor.
All ships must anchor about miles from the town and stores are transferred in native craft
to the shore. There are usually about 30 to 40 sailing dhows available for this work. The
capacity of the port is estimated at from 100 to 150 d.w. tons per day.
(3) The Town
HODEIDA is a large town with a population of about 30,000. The more important
buildings are on or near the sea front (with the exception of the Governor’s residence, which
lies at the north-east corner of the town) and are built of mud bricks—-made without any
binding material and very liable to disintegrate—or occasionally of stone. The remainder
of the town consists of mud huts or small houses.
It is generally, like all Arabian towns, dirty, insanitary and unhealthy.
The country between HODEIDA and the mountains is sterile, until the higher ground is
reached inland.
Defences
There are two forts, north and south of the town, both falling into ruins, but conspicuous
from seaward. The southern one is in use for ceremonial purposes, e.g., returning national
salutes.
Water Supply
Local wells are brackish and good water has to be brought from some distance.
Lighting System
There is no electrical supply for lighting. Lamps (paraffin) are laigely used foi lighting
in the town.
Government
The town and adjoining coastal plain (the ‘ Tabama ) are administered by a Governor
appointed by the Imam of the Yemen.
Municipal Offices
The Law Court and Municipal Offices are included in the same budding, near the southern
end of the sea front. Next to this building is the Arab Government Rest House, and next
to this again the prison, which is the last stone building on the front*
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