Indian-flagged vessel sinks after projectile attack off Yemen; all 13 Indian crew rescued amid mounting Red Sea risks

An Indian-flagged vessel, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, capsized and sank off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday after being targeted by a projectile. All 13 Indian crew members, along with one Yemeni crew member, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and transported to the Port of Mokha. This incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by commercial shipping in West Asian waters, despite the Indian government's efforts to enhance safety measures for seafarers.

The attack follows several other incidents involving Indian-linked merchant ships during the recent US-Iran conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the vulnerability of maritime trade routes. Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the attack, emphasizing the government's priority in protecting its citizens. He directed the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to assist in ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack, stating that India is closely coordinating with Yemeni authorities to safeguard the crew. The ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning, with the MEA stressing the need to end targeting of merchant vessels and restore free navigation. India, being a major supplier of maritime manpower, is closely monitoring vessels and seafarers operating in the region, following a comprehensive "Seafarer-First" framework implemented by the DGMA.

This framework includes real-time tracking, continuous monitoring, and security advisories to mitigate risks for maritime workers.