An Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, came under attack in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026, resulting in the vessel sinking. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals onboard were safely rescued.
In an official statement, the MEA strongly condemned the attack, describing the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome.”
“Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and is proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew,” the ministry said.
The MEA expressed its gratitude to the Yemeni authorities for their prompt assistance in rescuing the Indian crew members.
Reiterating India’s longstanding position on maritime security, the ministry stressed that attacks on commercial vessels operating in international waters must cease immediately.
“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA stated.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing merchant shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, a critical global trade corridor that has witnessed repeated attacks on commercial vessels over the past two years. The attack is expected to renew concerns within the international maritime community over the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted movement of global trade through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.