India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after reportedly being hit by a projectile. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals aboard the vessel were rescued safely and are receiving necessary assistance.
In an official statement, the MEA described the attack as a matter of serious concern and reiterated India’s call for ensuring the safety of international shipping routes.
“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,” the Ministry said.
All Indian Crew Members Safe
The MEA confirmed that all 13 Indian crew members aboard the vessel were rescued following the incident.
The Ministry said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety, security and welfare of the rescued Indian nationals.
Expressing gratitude, the Ministry thanked the Yemeni authorities for their swift support during the rescue operation.
India Calls for End to Attacks on Commercial Shipping
The Ministry also expressed deep concern over the continuing attacks on merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea region.
It said repeated attacks on commercial shipping pose a serious threat to international maritime trade and regional stability.
The MEA stressed that attacks on civilian commercial vessels must end immediately and called for the restoration of free, safe and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
Sarbananda Sonowal Condemns the Attack
Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the attack, calling it an unprovoked assault on a defenceless Indian merchant vessel.
In a post on X, Sonowal said MSV Faize Noore Oliya was struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the vessel to capsize and eventually sink.
The Minister confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni citizen, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.
He expressed relief that there were no casualties and said the safety of Indian seafarers remains the government’s highest priority.
Government Orders Immediate Assistance
Sonowal said he had instructed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all concerned agencies to provide immediate assistance to the rescued crew members and strengthen measures for the protection of Indian seafarers operating in the region.
The government is also monitoring developments closely amid growing security concerns in the Red Sea.
Rescue Operation by Yemeni Authorities
According to reports citing Yemen’s government-aligned National Resistance Forces (NRF), the vessel came under attack while sailing around 13 nautical miles south of Al Hudaydah.
Following the attack, the vessel capsized and sank.
The Yemeni Navy and Coast Guard launched a joint rescue operation and successfully evacuated all 14 crew members from the sea.
The rescued sailors were taken to safety, where they received medical assistance. Officials confirmed that no fatalities were reported.
The National Resistance Forces are deployed along Yemen’s western coastline near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait and are led by Tareq Saleh, a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council.
Rising Security Concerns in the Red Sea
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
The region has witnessed an increase in attacks targeting commercial vessels in recent months.
On July 20, the Houthi group announced what it described as a “naval blockade” on Saudi Arabia, prompting Riyadh to warn that it would respond firmly to any threats against maritime traffic and commercial shipping.
The latest attack has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by merchant vessels operating through one of the world’s most strategically significant sea routes.
