August 5, 2026
NEW DELHI – An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after coming under attack off the coast of Oman on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
All the 14 seafarers, including 13 Indian nationals, who were on board the vessel were rescued safely.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the vessel was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the vessel to capsize and sink.
“India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” Sonowal said.
According to reports, the Indian-flagged tanker was carrying oil from Saudi Arabia.
The tanker was reportedly blown up with a Yemeni suicide boat 13 nautical miles off Hodeidah in Bab Al-Mandab.
In a separate statement, the MEA condemned the attack on the Indian flagged vessel, saying the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome”.
The Ministry said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating sith Yemeni authorities to for the safety and security of the crew.
“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA added.
