Indian Commercial Ship Attacked in Red Sea, All Crew Rescued

An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was reportedly attacked on Tuesday while navigating the Red Sea, near the coast of Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed the incident, underlining the rising concerns over maritime safety in this strategic region.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal provided reassurance, stating that all 14 crew members aboard the vessel, which included 13 Indian nationals, were successfully rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard. Expressing deep concern, the minister condemned the “unprovoked attack” on the defenseless ship and emphasized the need for heightened security in international waters.

The MEA has taken immediate steps to monitor the evolving situation, with the Indian embassy in Riyadh actively engaging with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety of its nationals. The ministry has underscored its alarm regarding the increase in assaults against commercial shipping in the region, describing the trend as deeply troubling.

In a statement, the MEA called for an end to such targeting of commercial vessels, insisting on the restoration of free and unhindered navigation in accordance with international maritime laws. This incident aligns with a series of attacks on cargo vessels in West Asia, contributing to a climate of heightened tension, particularly amid the deteriorating relations between the United States and Iran.

Recent reports have raised alarming figures regarding Indian casualties in the ongoing regional conflict. In a recent parliamentary briefing, the MEA revealed that 16 Indians, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives amidst escalating violence, with eight fatalities reported in Oman and four in the United Arab Emirates. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the safety of Indian crews operating in these waters remains a significant priority for the Indian government.

Source: scroll.in