Indian Merchant Vessel Sinks in Red Sea After Attack; 13 Crew Rescued
An Indian-flagged merchant vessel with 13 Indian nationals on board came under attack off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The ship, identified as MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea following the assault. All crew members have been rescued, the MEA confirmed.
The MEA condemned the attack in a statement, emphasizing that targeting commercial shipping in the region must stop. "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," the ministry said. It added that India's Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew.
The ministry thanked the Yemeni authorities for their support in rescuing the Indian nationals. "All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued," the MEA said, while voicing deep concern over the rising number of attacks on commercial shipping in the region. "The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome," it stated.
The MEA called for an immediate end to such attacks and urged the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways, in keeping with international law. "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 read.
The Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade, has seen a spate of maritime security incidents in recent months, raising concerns among shipping nations. While the identity of those responsible for Tuesday's attack was not immediately clear, the region has witnessed several assaults on vessels, many of which have been linked to instability in Yemen. The Indian government has consistently called for the protection of commercial shipping and the safety of seafarers in international waters.
Ambassador P. R. S. Raman, a former Indian diplomat, said the incident underscores the growing risks to maritime navigation. "This attack highlights the urgent need for collaborative international efforts to secure sea lanes, especially in conflict-prone areas," he noted. "India's prompt response and coordination with regional authorities reflect its commitment to the safety of its citizens and the freedom of navigation."
The bombing of the vessel also brings into focus the broader security challenges in the region, which have implications for international trade and energy supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb strait, near the Yemeni coast, is a critical chokepoint for shipping carrying goods between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Disruptions here can have cascading effects on global supply chains.
India, which has long called for a rules-based maritime order, is likely to raise the issue at international forums. The incident may also prompt New Delhi to enhance its naval presence in the region to safeguard its commercial interests. The Indian Navy has previously deployed warships for anti-piracy and escort operations in the area.
The rescue of all 13 Indian nationals has brought relief, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security environment in the Red Sea. The MEA's statement underscores the need for persistent vigilance and diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
As investigations continue, the international community will be watching closely to see what actions are taken to prevent such attacks in the future. For now, the safe return of the crew is a reassuring development, and India has expressed gratitude to Yemeni authorities for their cooperative effort in the rescue operation.
