The Indian Embassy in Yemen confirmed on Friday, 23 October that all 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht involved in an incident off the coast of Yemen are safe, with officials pledging continued efforts to secure their well-being. The crew members are reported to be located near Hodeidah in western Yemen.

What the Embassy Said

In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said: 'Reports suggest that all 14 Indian nationals are safe and located around Hodeidah in Yemen. We will continue to work for ensuring their well being.'

Earlier on Friday, the Embassy had acknowledged that it was actively gathering details about the incident, which reportedly took place on 22 October. 'Given the prevailing conflict situation exact information is not currently available. We have reached out to different parties to establish circumstances and facts of the incident and hope to update as soon as authentic information becomes available,' it stated.

Houthi Claims and Saudi Allegations

On Thursday, Yemen's Houthi forces claimed their personnel had conducted a rescue operation after, they alleged, Saudi Arabia targeted the Indian yacht near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree posted on X: 'The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality, according to preliminary information. The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them and will provide more details later. This reckless act by the Saudi enemy in targeting it threatens international navigation in the Red Sea, and the international community must stop the Saudi enemy from these reckless actions.'

Saree noted the information was preliminary and promised further details. Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded to the Houthi allegation as of the latest reports.

Broader Pattern of Regional Attacks

The yacht incident is the latest in a series of events endangering Indian nationals in the Arabian Peninsula. In a separate attack on Wednesday, 21 October, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured when King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia was struck. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the casualties and said it was in contact with Saudi authorities.

India on Thursday strongly condemned the attacks, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issuing a formal statement. 'We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries,' the MEA said.

India's Position and Diplomatic Response

New Delhi expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. 'We also reiterate that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest,' the MEA added.

This comes amid an intensifying conflict in the region, with Houthi forces repeatedly targeting Gulf infrastructure and Red Sea shipping lanes — raising alarms about the safety of Indian seafarers and workers employed across the Arabian Peninsula. India has a large diaspora in the Gulf, and the government has been under mounting pressure to ensure their protection.

What Happens Next

The Indian Embassy has said it will continue to monitor the situation and update the public once verified information becomes available. With the 14 crew members confirmed safe near Hodeidah, the immediate priority is reportedly facilitating their secure return. Diplomatic channels with both Yemeni parties and Saudi Arabia are said to be active.