Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
An Indian-flagged commercial vessel sank off the coast of Yemen after being hit by a projectile, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. The attack took place in the Red Sea near Yemeni waters and caused the mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya to capsize before sinking. All 13 Indian crew members and one foreign national were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to the port of Mokha.
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack, calling it an “unprovoked” strike on a defenceless civilian vessel. New Delhi also expressed concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region and renewed its call for the restoration of safe and unhindered navigation through international waterways. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea region, where maritime security has remained under strain amid continuing regional tensions.
ALL CREW MEMBERS BROUGHT TO SAFETY
Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that every crew member aboard the vessel had been rescued. Calling the incident an attack on a civilian vessel, Sonowal said: “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.”
The minister said the government had immediately initiated steps to ensure the welfare and safety of the rescued sailors.
“I have instructed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to take immediate steps in coordination with all agencies to ensure the absolute security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.”
INDIA CONDEMNS ATTACK
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the strike on the Indian-flagged vessel and confirmed that all Indian nationals had been rescued. India’s Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with the Yemeni authorities and closely monitoring the situation, the ministry said.
“We condemn the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued. Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.”
The ministry also thanked the Yemeni authorities for their immediate response in rescuing the crew members. However, the government had not disclosed who carried out the attack at the time this story was published.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, connecting Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal and carrying a large share of global trade and energy supplies. Waters off Yemen, especially around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have become increasingly dangerous as Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to target commercial vessels with missiles and drones. The attacks have forced many shipping companies to divert their ships around Africa, increased transport and insurance costs, and prompted multinational naval forces to step up patrols to protect one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
Security concerns have intensified further in recent weeks after Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to target Saudi-linked commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
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With inputs from Shivani Sharma
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
