Status: Sinking and rescue confirmed; responsibility for the reported attack remains disputed
Updated: August 4, 2026
NEW DELHI/MOKHA — All 14 crew members were rescued after the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was reportedly struck by a projectile and sank in the Red Sea near Yemen.
India’s shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the vessel capsized following the impact. The Yemeni Coast Guard rescued everyone aboard and transported them to the Port of Mokha. Thirteen of the rescued crew members are Indian citizens.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government alleged that the Iran-aligned Houthi movement attacked the vessel using an explosive-laden boat. The Houthis had not responded publicly to that allegation at the time of the latest report, meaning responsibility has not been independently established.
Indian officials said they were coordinating with Yemeni authorities to assist the crew. No crew fatalities were reported.
Why it matters: Continuing attacks around the Red Sea threaten civilian mariners and commercial trade. They are also forcing shipping companies to consider longer routes while paying higher security and insurance costs.
