India-flagged vessel sinks off Yemen after attack in Red Sea, 13 Indians rescued
PTC News Desk: An Indian-flagged commercial ship sank in the Red Sea near Yemen after it was hit by a projectile, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. The ship, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, overturned and sank near Yemen, but all 14 people on board — including 13 Indian crew members and one foreign national — were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to Mokha port.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, where security has been affected by ongoing regional tensions.
Confirming the rescue, Sarbananda Sonowal said all crew members were brought to safety. Condemning the attack, he said India strongly opposes the assault on the civilian vessel and added that the safety of Indian seafarers remains the government's top priority. He also expressed relief that all 14 crew members had been rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and safely taken to Mokha port.
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."
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."
- With inputs from agencies
