Indian Vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya Sinks After Projectile Attack Off Yemen Coast, All 13 Indian Crew Members Rescued

(MENAFN- Live Mint) India on Tuesday (August 4) condemned an attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya after it was struck by a projectile and sank off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, while confirming that all 13 Indian crew members were rescued safely.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the mechanised sailing vessel was hit near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. He said all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to the Port of Mokha.

"Indian MSV Faize Noore Oliya has been hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the vessel to capsize and sink. India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel," Sonowal said in a post on X.

The minister added that the safety of Indian seafarers remained the government's top priority and said he had directed the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued a statement strongly condemning the attack.

"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," the ministry said.

The MEA said India's Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew. It also thanked the Yemeni authorities for their assistance in the rescue operation.

Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, the ministry said the repeated attacks on commercial shipping were "deeply worrisome."

"The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," the statement said.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, where commercial vessels have faced repeated threats and attacks in recent months, disrupting one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. India has repeatedly called for the protection of international shipping lanes and the safety of civilian merchant vessels operating in the region.

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