US Ambassador: 'We're Doing the Best We Can' for Americans in Yemen

DJIBOUTI— -- Escape routes are dwindling, and the U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti says hundreds of Americans remain trapped in Yemen.

Various boats have sailed and motored their way into the port and Ambassador Tom Kelly was on deck to meet the most recent arrivals: 200 people including 11 American citizens, all crammed onto an overcrowded fishing boat. In the past two weeks, 150 Americans have fled to Djibouti. Kelly’s staff speaks with every American who arrives in the port.

"We’re ramping up. We’re anticipating more,” he says. “I think we’re doing the best we can, and we hope that it's going to be good enough to get more people out.”

"It’s true that the easier options for people getting out on their own are starting to recede, especially as some of these larger naval vessels wrap up their operation, and so that’s going to make the ordeal more challenging.”

The boat that docked overnight was a typical Yemeni fishing boat that looked like it could comfortably fit 50 people, not the 200 people who endured the trip. The grueling journey took about 30 hours – without bathroom facilities, food or water and no protection from the elements through one of the world’s most dangerous shipping channels.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Kelly wants the trapped Americans to remain hopeful – but to pursue all possible options out of Yemen.

“We say anything that you think that is viable, that works, and is safe is worth doing,” Kelly said.