On Monday, an Indian cargo ship sank in the Red Sea after being hit by what seems to be a boat filled with explosives off the coast of Yemen. This incident highlights the increasing danger to commercial shipping in the area.
India's Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, reported that the mechanical sailing ship Faize Noore Oliya was struck by a projectile while near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink.
"India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless vessel," Sonowal wrote on X. "The safety of our people is our top priority."
He mentioned that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to the Port of Mokha. Sonowal also directed India's Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to work with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian sailors in the area and to assist the rescued crew.
India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident, calling for an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region. "The ongoing attacks on commercial vessels are very concerning," the ministry said in a statement. "These attacks must stop, and navigation and commerce in international waterways should return to normal as soon as possible, in line with international law."
According to maritime intelligence firm Windward, their analysis shows the ship was hit by an explosives-laden boat about 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah on August 4. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
No group has claimed responsibility for this attack, but Windward noted that the location and method are consistent with previous actions by the Houthis, although they advised that this has not been confirmed.
This sinking occurs amid rising attacks on commercial shipping associated with the Houthis' expanding maritime operations.
Last week, the Houthis said they attacked the Saudi-flagged chemical tanker NCC GHAZAL, claiming it violated their maritime blockade of Saudi ports. Maritime security experts indicated that the vessel was hit by anti-ship missiles in the southern Red Sea and was forced to turn back, although Saudi authorities have not confirmed this report.
The attack follows India's recent measures to safeguard its merchant mariners in the region. Last month, the DGMA advised Indian shipping companies to be especially cautious when operating near the Strait of Hormuz and other high-risk areas due to the rising tensions.