The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after being targeted by an explosives-laden boat.
The MEA confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals aboard the vessel have been rescued safely. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.
"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 in a statement.
The ministry also expressed concern over the rising 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.
Earlier, Yemeni government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) said coast guard and naval units carried out a joint rescue operation after the cargo vessel was attacked about 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah.
According to the NRF, all 14 crew members — including 13 Indian sailors and one Yemeni national — were rescued, provided medical assistance, and taken to safety. No casualties were reported. The statement did not specify when the attack took place.
The NRF blamed Yemen's Houthi group for the attack, though the Houthis have not commented on the incident.
The latest attack comes amid escalating threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Last month, a Saudi company-owned tanker, Encelia, caught fire after coming under attack while sailing in the southern Red Sea.
According to Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA), all crew members aboard the tanker were safe, and authorities took necessary measures to secure the vessel and protect the marine environment.
A United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisory said the attack occurred about 70 nautical miles (130 km) southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.
On July 23, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for attacks on the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla, saying they used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The group alleged the vessels had violated its maritime restrictions, which it imposed on Saudi-linked ships, citing what it described as Saudi Arabia's long-running blockade on areas under its control.
