India on Tuesday condemned the attack on Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an explosives-laden boat off Yemen’s coast. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Navy and Coast Guard.
BY PC BUREAU
New Delhi, August 4: India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel that sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an explosives-laden boat off Yemen’s western coast, calling it an “unprovoked attack” on a defenseless ship. All 14 crew members—13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni—were rescued safely in a coordinated operation by the Yemeni Navy and Coast Guard.
The vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, came under attack about 13 nautical miles off the port city of Hodeidah in the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. The impact caused the ship to capsize and eventually sink.
According to reports, the vessel was hit by what Yemeni authorities described as a suicide boat or remotely operated explosive naval drone. While some reports suggested the ship was transporting Saudi oil, Indian officials focused primarily on the safety of the crew and did not comment on the cargo.
The incident is being described as the first known attack on an Indian-flagged vessel in the Red Sea since the region witnessed an escalation in attacks on commercial shipping.
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India Denounces ‘Unprovoked Attack’
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the assault, describing it as an unjustified attack on a civilian vessel.
In a post on X, Sonowal said:
“Indian MSV Faize Noore Oliya has been hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the vessel to capsize and sink. India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel.”
He reiterated that the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers remain the government’s highest priority and expressed relief that all crew members had been rescued without loss of life.
The minister also directed the Directorate General of Shipping to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the security of Indian seafarers operating in the region and extend all possible assistance to the rescued crew.
MEA Thanks Yemeni Authorities
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,” the ministry said.
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation and working with Yemeni authorities to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate any further assistance required.
It also thanked the Yemeni government and rescue agencies for their prompt response, which enabled the successful evacuation of all those on board.
Our statement on attack on an Indian flagged commercial vessel ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/5dNzioU4jv pic.twitter.com/rGgtnl0luu
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2026
Crew Rescued Without Casualties
Yemen’s government-backed National Resistance Forces confirmed that all 14 crew members were rescued by the country’s Navy and Coast Guard.
The survivors were provided medical assistance before being transported to the Port of Mokha, where they continue to receive support.
Officials said no fatalities were reported.
While no organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the strike, Yemeni authorities later blamed the attack on Houthi forces, who have repeatedly targeted commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
#BREAKING An Indian cargo ship, Faizi Nuri Aulia, sank after an explosive boat attack off Al-Hodeidah, Yemen. All 14 crew members were safely rescued.
@MEAEIndia @IndianNavy
#RedSea #Yemen #MaritimeSecurity #India pic.twitter.com/iZDJsPQLTP— jarvis ☠️ (@Vishii14) August 4, 2026
Renewed Concerns Over Maritime Security
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed serious concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome,” the ministry said.
India called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian vessels and stressed the need to ensure the free, safe and uninterrupted movement of international shipping in accordance with international law.
The latest incident underscores the growing security risks facing global maritime trade in the Red Sea, where repeated attacks on merchant vessels have disrupted one of the world’s busiest sea lanes connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
For India, whose economy depends heavily on secure maritime trade routes, the attack highlights the increasing vulnerability of commercial shipping operating through the conflict-prone Bab al-Mandab Strait.
