Indian vessel sinks after explosive boat attack near Yemeni waters; 14 rescued

Key facts

• An Indian cargo ship, the Faize Noore Oliya, sank after being hit by an explosives-laden boat.
• The incident occurred near Yemen's western coast in the Red Sea.
• All 14 crew members, comprising 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni national, were rescued.
• The Yemeni coast guard conducted the rescue operation.
• The National Resistance Forces attributed the attack to the Houthi group.

An Indian cargo ship, the Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an explosives-laden boat approximately 13 nautical miles south of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni national, were safely rescued by the Yemeni coast guard and brought to the port of Mokha.

The National Resistance Forces (NRF) attributed the attack to Yemen's Houthi group, though the Houthis have not yet issued an official statement. Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the incident as an "unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel," emphasizing the priority of seafarer safety and instructing maritime authorities to ensure security in the region.

This incident represents a dangerous escalation in maritime attacks in the Red Sea, following renewed threats to shipping lanes. The NRF, led by Tareq Saleh, confirmed their naval and coast guard units executed the rescue operation immediately after the attack.