Indian Crew Rescued After Cargo Vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya Sinks Near Yemen

A commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank near Yemen after an attack on August 4. All Indian crew members were rescued as India raised concerns over maritime security and attacks on shipping routes.

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya came under attack on August 4 while sailing approximately 13 nautical miles south of Al Hudaydah, resulting in the vessel capsizing before it eventually sank.

All 13 Indian nationals onboard the vessel were rescued after the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed. The rescued crew members were taken to the Port of Mokha, where they received medical attention. No casualties were reported.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is monitoring the situation in coordination with Yemeni authorities, the MEA said. India also thanked the Yemeni authorities for their swift rescue operation and called for an immediate end to attacks targeting commercial vessels in the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end,” the MEA said, calling for the restoration of “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways” in accordance with international law.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the incident, describing it as an “unprovoked assault” on a commercial vessel.

Sonowal said all 14 seafarers had been rescued safely and directed the Directorate General of Maritime Administration to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions around the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.

Yemen’s government-aligned National Resistance Forces said the vessel was attacked while transiting the area. They added that the Yemeni Navy and Coast Guard later carried out a joint rescue operation.

India has not officially attributed responsibility for the attack. Forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government have blamed the Houthi movement, although the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the incident.

The sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya has increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region amid continuing attacks and threats against vessels. The development holds significance for India due to its dependence on maritime routes for energy imports and international trade.

The incident comes amid wider instability affecting key maritime routes in the region. Disruptions in both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz could create additional risks for India’s energy security, shipping costs and supply chains.

India has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial shipping and the restoration of safe and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways, maintaining that merchant vessels should not become targets in regional conflicts.