Indian merchant ship sinks after attack off Yemen coast

A commercial vessel flying the Indian flag sank off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea following an attack, according to reports. The incident occurred near the port city of Hodeida, with all 14 crew members rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard. The attack has raised concerns over maritime security in the region, though the perpetrator remains unidentified. The ship, named Faize Noor Oliya, was targeted south of Hodeida, according to an unnamed Yemeni official cited by French news agency AFP. At the time of the attack, there were 14 individuals aboard, 13 Indian citizens and one Yemeni national, all of whom were saved and taken to the port of Mocha. The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by a missile, leading to its sinking. Indian Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed via social media platform X that the ship was hit by a missile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. He condemned the attack, stating it was neither unexpected nor acceptable. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that attacks on commercial ships in the area must end. Yemen's government attributed responsibility for the attack to Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, according to the Yemeni news agency Saba. The Houthi group, known for previous attacks on vessels in the region, has yet to comment on the incident, according to German news agency dpa. This attribution comes amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi forces have frequently targeted shipping lanes. The Faize Noor Oliya had been operating under an Indian flag, highlighting the vulnerability of international trade routes passing through the Red Sea. The incident adds to a series of similar attacks in recent months, raising questions about the safety of maritime commerce in the region. While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, the Yemeni government’s accusation points to the Houthi rebels as the likely culprits. India has consistently expressed concern over the security of its merchant fleet in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. In recent years, several Indian-flagged vessels have been attacked or damaged by Houthi projectiles, prompting calls for increased naval presence and international cooperation to secure vital shipping corridors. The Indian government has previously urged regional actors to de-escalate hostilities and protect commercial traffic. The attack on the Faize Noor Oliya underscores the broader conflict dynamics in Yemen, where Houthi rebels continue to challenge the internationally recognized government. The rebels have long accused the Yemeni government of receiving foreign support, particularly from Saudi Arabia and its allies, while the Houthi movement itself receives backing from Iran. These tensions often spill into the maritime domain, affecting global supply chains and regional stability. As investigations into the attack continue, officials from both India and Yemen are expected to hold discussions on how to prevent further incidents. The International Maritime Organization and other global bodies may also weigh in on measures to enhance security in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of crews and cargo, as well as holding accountable those responsible for such acts of aggression against civilian vessels.