New Delhi, August 4: An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after coming under attack off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday. All 14 seafarers on board, including 13 Indian nationals, were safely rescued.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and eventually sink. Condemning the attack, Sonowal said India strongly condemns the “unprovoked attack” on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel and stressed that the safety of Indian citizens remains the government’s top priority.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the attack, saying the continued incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome”. The ministry said such attacks 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 added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.
