**Title: Indian Cargo Ship Sinks Near Yemen Following Attack**
An Indian-flagged cargo ship sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday after reportedly being attacked. The vessel, identified as the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck by a projectile south of the port city of Hodeidah, an area currently under the control of Houthi rebels.
The attack prompted a swift response from Yemeni forces, who successfully rescued all 14 crew members aboard the ship, consisting of 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni national. The crew was subsequently taken to the port of Mokha for safety.
The Iranian-backed Houthi militia had previously announced intentions to block all Saudi-linked vessels from navigating the Red Sea. However, they have not issued any statements regarding the recent sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya. Reports indicate that the ship was transporting oil from Saudi Arabia at the time of the incident.
Yemen’s Transportation Ministry has accused the Houthis of executing the attack using an explosive-laden boat. Some reports have suggested that a naval drone may have been involved in striking the cargo ship.
The Indian government has expressed strong condemnation of the attack, emphasizing that the safety of its citizens is of utmost importance. India’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as an "unprovoked attack" on a defenseless vessel and called for an immediate cessation of assaults on commercial shipping in the region. They stressed the need for "free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways" in accordance with international law.
The MSV Faize Noore Oliya's sinking adds to a troubling trend for Indian seafarers, as ten Indian nationals have lost their lives in various attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the escalation of tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Additionally, five Indian seafarers have been reported dead in similar incidents in the Baltic Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
With approximately 312,000 Indians employed on ships globally, the risks associated with maritime operations in conflict zones have prompted Indian authorities to issue advisories to seafarers. These advisories urge caution when entering conflict-prone areas and encourage crew members to contact Indian authorities if they encounter difficulties.
In light of the recent incident, India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the rescue of the crew via a post on social media platform X, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Yemeni authorities to ensure the crew's safety and security.
The sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya underscores the ongoing volatility in the Red Sea region and the challenges faced by commercial shipping amid geopolitical tensions.