New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged commercial cargo vessel in the Red Sea after it was struck by a projectile and sank off the coast of Yemen, renewing concerns over the safety of seafarers in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
The cargo vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was hit near Mokha Port in Yemen on Tuesday, causing it to capsize and sink.
All crew members rescued safely
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought safely to Mokha Port.
“We strongly condemn this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel,” Sonowal said, adding that he had directed the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to assist the rescued crew.
Growing concern over attacks on merchant ships
While the Indian government did not officially identify those responsible, sources indicated that the Houthi group is suspected to be behind the attack.
The incident comes amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea. According to reports, 13 Indian seafarers have lost their lives since January 2026, with 10 deaths occurring in the past two months, while four Indian sailors remain missing following separate maritime attacks.
In a statement, the MEA said the continued targeting of commercial shipping was “deeply worrisome” and called for an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels.
The ministry also urged the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of global maritime trade.