Indian-flagged vessel sinks off Yemen after projectile strike; all 14 crew rescued
An Indian-flagged cargo vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea off Yemen's western coast on August 4 after being struck by a projectile, according to Yemeni authorities. The ship went down near the port city of Hodeidah, which is under Houthi control.
All 14 crew members—13 Indians and one Yemeni—were rescued by Yemen's Coast Guard and brought safely to the port of Mokha. No casualties have been reported. The vessel sank approximately 13 nautical miles (24 km) south of Hodeidah.
The attack triggered a joint rescue operation by coast guard and naval units affiliated with Yemen's National Resistance Forces, a group aligned with the internationally recognized government. The group blamed Yemen's Houthi rebels for the strike, though the Houthis have not issued any comment on the incident.
The Indian government strongly condemned the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region is “deeply worrisome” and must end. “The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end,” the MEA said, calling for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways to be restored in accordance with international law.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the attack as “unprovoked” and said the safety of Indian seafarers remains the government's “supreme priority.” The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Yemeni authorities and monitoring the welfare of the rescued crew.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have raised international concern over maritime security. Several shipping companies have rerouted vessels to avoid the area, adding to global trade disruptions.
While the Houthis have previously claimed responsibility for attacks on shipping they say are linked to Israel or its allies during the Gaza conflict, this latest incident has not been officially claimed. International observers have called for restraint and adherence to international maritime law to ensure the safety of seafarers and the free flow of commerce.
The rescued Indians are reported to be safe and are expected to be repatriated after necessary formalities. The government has assured all possible assistance to the crew and their families.
The loss of the vessel, a small cargo ship, highlights the mounting risks faced by merchant navy personnel operating in conflict-affected waters. The MEA reiterated India's commitment to the safety of its citizens and called on all parties to respect international norms.
As investigations into the attack continue, the focus remains on securing safe passage for commercial traffic in the region. The incident also underscores the importance of coordinated international efforts to address threats to maritime security.
