India-Flagged Vessel Sinks After Red Sea Attack; All 13 Indian Sailors Rescued

NEW DELHI, Aug 5: An India-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after coming under attack off the coast of Yemen, but all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were safely rescued, officials said.

The vessel, which was reportedly carrying oil from Saudi Arabia, was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and subsequently sink, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Strongly condemning the attack, Sonowal said the incident was an “unprovoked attack” on a defenceless mechanised sailing vessel and asserted that the safety of Indian seafarers remained the government’s top priority.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the attack, saying continued incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region were “deeply worrisome”.

The MEA said attacks on commercial vessels in the region must end and called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region at the earliest.

The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.

The incident comes amid continued security concerns in and around the Red Sea, a vital international maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. The region has witnessed repeated attacks on commercial shipping amid heightened geopolitical tensions. (Agencies)