Indian Merchant Ship Sinks in Red Sea After Attack; All 14 Crew Rescued

An Indian-flagged merchant ship, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, has sunk in the Red Sea near Yemen after being hit by a projectile. The vessel was reportedly struck in Yemeni waters, leading to its capsizing and subsequent sinking. Fortunately, all 14 individuals on board, comprising 13 Indian nationals and one other crew member, were successfully rescued by the Yemeni coast guard and taken to the port of Mokha.

India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the incident and issued a strong condemnation. He stated on social media platform X that "India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack." The internationally recognized Yemeni government has accused the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, of carrying out the attack. Reports suggest that a vessel carrying explosives was used in the assault, though the Houthi group has not yet commented on the incident.

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India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack.

The Houthis have been increasingly active in disrupting shipping lanes along the Yemeni coast, aiming to blockade oil exports from Saudi Arabia and exacerbate the negative impacts of the US-Iran conflict. Previous attacks by the group have already hindered oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the escalating maritime security concerns, Indian refiners have begun sourcing crude oil from the Middle East on a cost-and-freight basis.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with Yemeni authorities regarding the incident. A spokesperson for the ministry emphasized the need for such attacks on merchant vessels transiting the region to cease immediately. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges and geopolitical tensions affecting vital international shipping routes in the Red Sea.

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Attacks on merchant ships transiting the region must stop.