An Indian‑flagged mechanised sailing vessel sank off the coast of Yemen after being struck by a projectile, underscoring the mounting risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and adjoining waters. 

The MSV Faize Noore Oliya capsized near Yemeni waters following the attack. All fourteen crew members, including thirteen Indian nationals, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought safely to the Port of Mokha.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of merchant shipping in West Asia despite enhanced safety measures rolled out by India for its seafarers. It comes only weeks after Indian‑linked vessels were caught in the crossfire during the US‑Iran confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.

Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the strike, describing it as an unprovoked attack on a defenceless vessel. He confirmed that all crew members had been rescued and directed the Director General of Maritime Administration to coordinate with agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and provide assistance to those rescued.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also issued a strong condemnation, noting that the Embassy in Riyadh was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities.

The ministry expressed gratitude to the Yemeni Coast Guard for their support and stressed that targeting commercial shipping in the region must end. It reiterated that free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways must be restored in accordance with international law.

The attack adds to a series of maritime security incidents since tensions escalated across the Gulf region. During the US‑Iran conflict, multiple Indian‑flagged and India‑linked ships reported threats and attacks, prompting New Delhi to intensify monitoring of vessels and crews.

The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters are critical to India’s crude oil imports and global energy trade, making uninterrupted navigation vital for energy security and commerce.

India is one of the largest suppliers of maritime manpower, with its nationals comprising nearly one‑third of the global seafaring workforce. The deteriorating security environment has therefore raised concerns over both crew safety and the smooth flow of cargo.

To mitigate risks, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has implemented a “Seafarer‑First” framework under the DGMA. This includes real‑time tracking of ships in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, supported by a 24‑hour control room and continuous monitoring through the DG Communication Centre.

Security advisories have been issued directing shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers in conflict‑affected waters unless absolutely necessary. Operators are required to conduct voyage‑specific risk assessments, undertake ship‑shore security drills, test onboard systems before entering high‑risk zones and report suspicious activity immediately.

An integrated digital platform, eNavik, operational since 1 July, enables real‑time reporting of marine casualties and security incidents while facilitating coordination with the Indian Navy and other agencies. Every vessel transiting the Gulf region must share voyage and crew details to enable rapid response.

The government’s emergency response mechanism has already handled over 15,700 calls and more than 36,000 emails from seafarers, families and maritime stakeholders.

Nearly 4,000 Indian seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf region, while vessels continue to be monitored round the clock in coordination with the Indian Navy, the Information Fusion Centre‑Indian Ocean Region and international maritime agencies.

Officials emphasised that the latest attack reinforces the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect commercial shipping operating through one of the world’s most volatile maritime corridors. The Red Sea and adjoining waters remain a flashpoint, with escalating risks to seafarers and global trade routes.

Agencies