NEW DELHI / SANAA — An Indian-flagged cargo vessel overturned and sank in the Red Sea off Yemen’s western coast after being hit by a projectile on Tuesday. All 14 crew members on board—comprising 13 Indian seafarers and one Yemeni national—were successfully rescued in a swift joint operation by Yemeni forces.
Dramatic Attack Near Hodeidah
The mechanised sailing vessel, identified as MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck approximately 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah. The impact of the projectile caused the vessel to capsize and sink into the Red Sea.
Following the strike, units from the Yemeni Coast Guard and naval forces under the Yemeni National Resistance Force (Guards of the Republic) launched a rescue mission. All 14 survivors were brought to safety at the Port of Mokha, where they received immediate medical attention.
India Strongly Condemns “Unprovoked” Attack
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the safety of the crew and strongly condemned the attack.
”India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” Sonowal stated on X.
Sonowal added that he has directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate closely with international and local agencies to safeguard Indian maritime workers in the volatile region.
Diplomatic Outreach & Growing Maritime Concerns
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to arrange the safe return and welfare of the rescued sailors.
India reiterated its deep concern over the escalating targeting of merchant vessels in the region, calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping to ensure unhindered navigation through international waters in compliance with international law.
