An Indian-flagged commercial vessel sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday after being struck by a projectile, with all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, rescued safely, the MEA said in a statement.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack on the mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya and said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation while coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.
The rescued seafarers were brought to the Port of Mokha by the Yemeni Coast Guard. No casualties were reported.
In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel, which sank in the Red Sea off Yemen on August 4. He said all 13 Indian nationals on board had been rescued and thanked the Yemeni authorities for their support in the operation.
The MEA also expressed concern over the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the region, saying the continuing incidents were "deeply worrisome." It stressed that the targeting of commercial vessels must end and called for the early restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the attack, reiterating that the safety of Indian seafarers remains the government's top priority.
Taking to X, Sonowal said, "India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & 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 had directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all concerned agencies and take immediate measures to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region.
He added that necessary assistance would be provided to the rescued crew members following their safe evacuation.
