Indian Ship MSV Faiz Noor Auliya Sinks After Houthi Drone Attack Near Yemen

In a significant escalation of maritime security concerns in the Red Sea, an Indian-flagged commercial vessel named MSV Faiz Noor Auliya has sunk following a targeted attack by Houthi rebels near the western coast of Yemen. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the vessel was struck by an explosive-laden drone boat, leading to its eventual sinking in the strategic waters of the Red Sea. Despite the total loss of the vessel, a major humanitarian tragedy was averted as all 14 crew members on board were successfully rescued through the timely intervention of Yemeni authorities.

Details of the Houthi Attack and Rescue Operation

The vessel, MSV Faiz Noor Auliya, was navigating near the Yemeni coast when it became the target of Houthi insurgents. According to reports from the Yemeni government forces, the attack was carried out using a drone boat packed with explosives. The impact of the explosion caused severe structural damage to the Indian ship, resulting in it sinking into the Red Sea. The crew on board consisted of 14 individuals, comprising 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni citizen. The Yemeni Coast Guard acted swiftly to conduct a rescue operation, ensuring that every person on board was brought to safety. The successful rescue of the 13 Indians and their Yemeni colleague has been confirmed by both local authorities and the Indian government.

India Condemns the Attack and Monitors the Situation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India has issued a strong condemnation of the attack on the commercial vessel MSV Faiz Noor Auliya. In an official statement, the ministry expressed deep concern over the incident and the sinking of the ship. The MEA confirmed that while the vessel was lost, all 13 Indian citizens on board are safe. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is currently monitoring the situation closely and is in constant communication with Yemeni authorities to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the rescued crew members, while india also expressed its gratitude to the Yemeni authorities for their cooperation and successful rescue efforts during this crisis.

Call for Freedom of Navigation and International Security

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in this region are a matter of grave concern for the international community. India has stated clearly that the targeting of commercial shipping must stop immediately. The government called for the restoration of free and unhindered movement and trade across international maritime routes, in accordance with international law. The MEA further urged the international community to take necessary steps to ensure maritime security and maintain the safety of global trade routes, which are vital for the world economy.

Previous Maritime Incident: The Case of MV Omorphi

This attack follows another tragic incident involving Indian seafarers. On July 18, a vessel named MV Omorphi was attacked while passing through the Black Sea. According to a statement released by the ministry last week, that attack allegedly took place within Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, there were 10 crew members on board, including 3 Indian nationals. Tragically, an Indian crew member and Chief Officer, Sagar Gupta, lost his life in that attack. The other two Indian crew members on the MV Omorphi were rescued safely. These consecutive incidents have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial vessels and Indian sailors in volatile maritime zones across the globe.