Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping
& Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. "India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority, and I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha," Sonowal said. He added that he had instructed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide assistance to the rescued crew. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued a statement 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. Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support," the MEA said. The ministry further called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region. "The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are 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," it added.
