13 Gujarat Sailors Rescued After India-Flagged Cargo Vessel Sinks in Red Sea Attack

Dwarka: An India-flagged cargo vessel carrying 14 crew members capsized and sank in the Red Sea off Yemen’s western coast after being struck by a projectile on Tuesday. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian sailors from Salaya village in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district and one Yemeni national, were rescued by Yemeni authorities and provided medical assistance.

The vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, came under attack about 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah. According to Yemen’s National Resistance Force, also known as the Guards of the Republic, the rescue operation was jointly carried out by the coast guard and naval units.

India strongly condemned what it described as an “unprovoked” attack on the unarmed merchant vessel.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the projectile strike caused the vessel to overturn and sink. He said he had directed the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to work closely with all concerned agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region and extend all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.

In a post on X, Sonowal said all 14 crew members had been rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to Mokha Port.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Yemeni authorities to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate further assistance.

India also expressed concern over the repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, calling them “deeply worrisome.” It urged an immediate end to the targeting of merchant vessels and stressed the need to restore free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.

The latest incident comes amid escalating security concerns in the Red Sea. Last month, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, significantly raising tensions in the region. The Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen, including the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The waterway is vital for international trade and energy supplies, making attacks on commercial vessels a growing concern for the global maritime industry. DeshGujarat