• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. The Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea after a projectile attack near Yemen.
  2. All 14 crew members were safely rescued.
  3. MEA has condemned the attack, calling for safe and unhindered navigation in the region’s international waterways.

A video of the incident has also surfaced after the Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea following an attack off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday. All 14 seafarers onboard the vessel were rescued safely.

According to preliminary information, the ship sustained heavy damage in a projectile attack late Tuesday night near Yemen’s western coast before eventually sinking into the sea.

Reports suggest that the Indian-flagged tanker was carrying oil from Saudi Arabia. However, some media reports have also claimed that the vessel was attacked by a boat carrying explosives. The vessel had 14 crew members onboard, including 13 Indians and one foreign national, and all were safely rescued by Yemen’s Coast Guard.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by Houthi rebels, although no official statement has been issued by them so far. A video of the incident has also emerged.

MEA Condemns Attack

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an "unprovoked" strike on a defenceless civilian vessel. New Delhi also expressed concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region and reiterated its call for the restoration of safe and unhindered navigation through international waterways.

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According to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the vessel was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. Mr Sonowal said, India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. He said, the safety of our people is our supreme priority.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged vessel, saying the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. It said the targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region must be restored at the earliest.

The Ministry further said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.

According to IANS, the National Resistance Forces (NRF), affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, stated that the attack on the vessel named MSV Faiz Noor Auliya took place around 13 nautical miles from the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port.

WATCH

Following the attack, a joint relief and rescue operation was carried out by the Coast Guard and Navy under the leadership of Tareq Saleh. All crew members were safely evacuated and taken to the Mokha port.

ALSO READ: Indian-Flagged Ship Sinks After Attack In Red Sea, 13 Nationals Rescued; MEA Reacts

Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 14 crew members are safe and said that the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has been instructed to coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian sailors and provide necessary assistance.

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It is worth noting that last month, Houthi rebels also attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers. These back to back attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait have further intensified concerns over the safety of international maritime trade and shipping routes.


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