An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday after being hit by a projectile in the Red Sea. The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges faced by commercial shipping in the region amid ongoing maritime tensions.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident and assured that all crew members on board were rescued safely. According to the minister, the mechanised sailing vessel was operating near Yemeni waters when it came under attack, causing it to capsize and eventually sink.
The vessel was carrying a total of 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one foreign national. Following the attack, the Yemeni Coast Guard launched a rescue operation and successfully evacuated everyone on board. The rescued crew members were taken to Mokha Port on Yemen's western coast, where they are reported to be safe.
The projectile strike reportedly caused significant damage to the vessel, leaving it unable to remain afloat. Within a short period, the ship overturned and sank into the Red Sea. Authorities have not yet officially identified the group responsible for the attack, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Red Sea has remained a sensitive maritime corridor over the past several years, witnessing repeated attacks on commercial ships due to regional conflicts. Shipping companies operating through the route have been on high alert, with several nations increasing naval patrols to safeguard international trade and merchant vessels.
Minister Sonowal praised the prompt response of the Yemeni Coast Guard, whose swift action ensured that no lives were lost. He also stated that the Government of India is closely monitoring the situation and remains in touch with relevant authorities to ensure the welfare of the rescued crew members.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is expected to coordinate with Indian diplomatic officials in the region to facilitate any assistance required by the rescued sailors. Officials are also likely to assess the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine the next course of action.
The sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya serves as another reminder of the risks faced by merchant ships operating through conflict-prone waters. The Red Sea is one of the world's busiest shipping routes, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, making the safety of vessels navigating the region a matter of international concern.
Maritime security experts have repeatedly stressed the need for enhanced coordination among regional governments and international naval forces to protect commercial shipping. As investigations continue, authorities will seek to establish the exact nature of the projectile attack and whether additional security measures are required for Indian-flagged vessels operating in the area.
Fortunately, despite the vessel's complete loss, the successful rescue of all 14 crew members prevented what could have been a far more tragic maritime disaster.
