India condemns Red Sea attack on flagged cargo vessel; 13 Indians rescued
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Aug 5, 2026: India has strongly condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged commercial cargo vessel in the Red Sea that sank off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday.
The cargo vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck by a projectile near Yemen’s Mokha Port, causing it to capsize and sink.
All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and safely brought to Mokha Port, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict-hit maritime regions. Since January 2026, 13 Indian seafarers have been killed in attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia, including the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea, with 10 deaths reported in the last two months. Four Indian sailors remain missing following separate attacks.
"We strongly condemn this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel," Sonowal said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the rescued Indian crew members.
While the government did not officially identify the attackers, sources indicated that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels are suspected to be behind the strike.
The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have launched numerous attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since late 2023. The group claims to target vessels linked to Israel or countries supporting its military operations in Gaza, though many ships with no direct connection to the conflict have also been attacked, disrupting one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
The continued attacks have prompted repeated military operations by the United States and its allies against Houthi missile and drone sites in Yemen. Despite these operations, the Houthis have continued targeting merchant vessels using anti-ship missiles, drones and explosive-laden unmanned surface craft.
Iran has been accused by the United States and Israel of providing military, intelligence and political support to the Houthis, allegations that Tehran has consistently denied.
Sonowal said he had directed the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region and extend all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.
Expressing concern over the recurring attacks, the MEA said the targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end and called for the restoration of free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.