An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026, after being struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members on board, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni citizen, were safely rescued in a joint operation by the Yemeni Coast Guard and Navy. The survivors were subsequently transported to the port of Mokha for safety and medical assessment.
Indian authorities have strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked attack on a defenseless commercial ship. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the sinking and stated that the government is prioritizing the security of its seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively coordinating with Yemeni authorities and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to ensure the continued wellbeing of the crew.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the strike, the region has seen a rise in maritime security risks. The vessel was reportedly operating near Hodeidah, a port city currently under the control of Houthi rebels. The incident highlights the growing dangers faced by merchant shipping in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for global trade that has become increasingly volatile due to ongoing regional conflicts.
India, which provides a significant portion of the world's merchant seafarers, has called for an immediate end to the targeting of commercial vessels. The government emphasized that free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways must be restored in accordance with international law. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to maritime commerce in the area.