India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after being struck by a projectile. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
The MEA said the attack on the vessel was deeply condemnable and noted that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation while coordinating with the Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the rescued crew.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to the Yemeni authorities for their prompt support in the rescue operation and assistance provided to the crew members.
In a post on X, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that the vessel was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. He termed the incident an “unprovoked attack” on a defenceless mechanised sailing vessel.
“The safety of our people is our supreme priority,” Sonowal said, adding that all 14 seafarers, including 13 Indians, had been rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.
The Minister said he had directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to immediately coordinate with all concerned agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers operating in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew members.
Expressing concern over the recurring attacks on commercial vessels in the region, the MEA said such incidents are deeply worrisome and called for an immediate end to the targeting of commercial shipping.
The Ministry stressed that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest in accordance with international law.
