NEW DELHI/YEMEN, August 5, 2026: Thirteen Indian sailors were rescued after the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was reportedly struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters on August 4 and subsequently sank.
A Yemeni national serving aboard the vessel was also rescued, taking the total number of people brought to safety to 14. No crew fatalities were reported.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals were safe. It said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was monitoring the situation and coordinating with the relevant authorities.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government attributed the attack to Houthi forces. However, the Indian government’s statement did not independently identify those responsible. This attribution should therefore be treated as a claim by Yemeni authorities unless confirmed through further investigation.
The incident underscores the continuing dangers faced by Indian seafarers working along conflict-affected maritime routes. India has called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
