Indian vessel sinks near Yemen after projectile strike; 14 seafarers rescued

An Indian mechanised sailing vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Sonowal said the incident was an “unprovoked attack” on the vessel and strongly condemned it.

“All 14 seafarers, including 13 Indians, have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” the minister said in a post on X.


MEA condemned the attack thanking Yemeni authorities for their support and called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region, stressing that free and unhindered navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.

He said the safety of Indian seafarers remains the government’s “supreme priority” and expressed relief that all members of the crew had been rescued.

Sonowal added that he had instructed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to take immediate steps in coordination with all agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers in the region.

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The DGMA has also been directed to provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew, the minister said.