An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank off the coast of Yemen after being struck by a projectile in the Red Sea on August 4, 2026. The attack caused the mechanised sailing vessel to capsize and sink near Yemeni waters.
All 14 people on board, including 13 Indian nationals and one foreign crew member, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the port of Mokha. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the rescue and said the government has directed maritime authorities to provide all necessary assistance while ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident as an unprovoked attack on a civilian vessel and said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Yemeni authorities to support the rescued crew.
The attack highlights growing security risks in the Red Sea, a crucial global shipping route. Persistent assaults on commercial vessels have disrupted maritime trade, increased transportation costs, and raised concerns over the safety of international navigation in the region.