Indian-flagged vessel sinks off Yemen after projectile strike, 13 Indians rescued

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.

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.

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."