The western coast of Yemen, like that of Hejaz, is studded with shoals and islands, of which Perim in the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb, Kamaran, the Turkish quarantine post, 40 m.
Towards the mainland the water shoals, and the best anchorage is under the lee of the island.
The reef is crowded with massive shoals of snappers.
In the dry season, the autumn and winter, on the other hand, there is danger of grounding on the constantly shifting flats and shoals.
The coast-line is fringed with small islets and shoals and reefs, which make navigation dangerous.