An India-flagged cargo vessel capsized and sank in the Red Sea off Yemen's western coast on Tuesday after being struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members on board, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni sailor, were rescued safely by Yemeni forces. The vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was reportedly attacked around 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah.
The Yemeni National Resistance Force, also known as the Guards of the Republic, said its coast guard and naval units carried out a joint rescue operation after the attack. All 14 crew members were brought to safety and provided medical assistance following the incident.
MEA monitoring situation
The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring developments and remained in constant touch with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the rescued crew. The Ministry added that all necessary diplomatic efforts were being made to assist the Indian nationals following the attack.
India condemns attack
India strongly condemned what it described as an "unprovoked" attack on the vessel operating near Yemeni waters. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the projectile strike caused the vessel to overturn and eventually sink. He said he had directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to work with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region and extend all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.
Sonowal assures assistance
In a post on X, 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."