New Delhi: An Indian commercial vessel has been struck by a missile in a sudden, deadly attack. The ship sustained severe damage in this unprovoked assault on a global shipping route off the coast of Yemen. It subsequently sank into the depths of the Red Sea. There were 14 people on board at the time of the incident.
Thirteen of them were Indian nationals. Amidst the harrowing situation, the Yemeni Coast Guard acted swiftly to launch a major rescue operation. All 14 sailors were rescued safely. Condemning the incident, authorities stated clearly that such attacks on unarmed merchant vessels must cease immediately. This is being viewed as a major attack on an Indian commercial vessel; the Government of India has termed the act a cowardly attack.
India Takes a Firm Stand
The Government of India has adopted a stern stance regarding this cowardly act. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the Ministry of External Affairs have strongly condemned the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised the urgent need to halt such attacks on unarmed merchant vessels.
The merchant vessel ‘MSV Faize Noore Oliya’ was suddenly struck by a missile or projectile without any provocation. Following the attack, the ship was engulfed in flames and soon sank into the depths of the Red Sea.
14 Crew Members Saved in Rescue Operation
Fortunately, amidst this deadly ordeal, the Yemeni Coast Guard conducted a timely and major rescue operation, saving the lives of all 14 crew members. They were safely rescued and transported to the port of Mokha in Yemen. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs have strongly condemned the incident.
Union Minister Sonowal further stated that the safety of Indian citizens is the government’s top priority. It has directed the Directorate General of Maritime Administration to coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region and to provide immediate, all possible assistance to the rescued crew.
Ministry of External Affairs Issues Statement
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation. Describing the ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the region as deeply concerning, India stated that the targeting of innocent merchant vessels must cease immediately and that free and unhindered navigation in international waters should be restored without delay. Ships have been targeted here in the past as well.
