MEA condemns Red Sea attack on Indian vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya
Synopsis
An Indian-flagged cargo ship was sunk by an explosives-laden boat off Yemen's coast on 4 August 2026 — the latest Houthi-linked strike on Red Sea shipping. All 13 Indian sailors aboard were rescued in a joint Yemeni coast guard operation, but the MEA's sharp condemnation signals New Delhi's growing alarm over the safety of Indian seafarers in one of the world's most contested waterways.
Key Takeaways
MSV Faize Noore Oliya , an Indian-flagged commercial vessel, was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea off Yemen on 4 August 2026 .
All 13 Indian nationals and 1 Yemeni sailor aboard were rescued; no casualties were reported.
The attack was carried out using an explosives-laden boat , approximately 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah .
Yemen's National Resistance Forces (NRF) blamed the Houthi group ; the Houthis had not responded as of the time of reporting.
The MEA called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping and restoration of free navigation under international law.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Yemeni authorities for the crew's safety.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 4 August 2026 strongly condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after being struck by an explosives-laden boat. All 13 Indian nationals aboard have been rescued, the Ministry confirmed.
What Happened
The vessel was attacked approximately 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah on Yemen's western coast. The attack was carried out using an explosives-laden boat, causing the cargo ship to sink. In total, 14 crew members were aboard — 13 Indian sailors and one Yemeni sailor — all of whom were rescued and taken to safety. No casualties were reported, and the crew received medical assistance.
What the MEA Said
In an official statement, the MEA said: 'We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued. Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.'
The Ministry further warned: 'The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.'
Rescue Operation
Yemen's government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) confirmed that coast guard and naval units conducted a joint rescue operation for the crew of the Faize Noore Oliya. The NRF attributed the attack to Yemen's Houthi group, though the Houthis had not commented as of the time of reporting. The statement did not specify the exact time the attack occurred.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is actively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the continued safety and security of all rescued crew members.
Broader Context
This attack is the latest in a series of strikes on commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, a critical artery for global trade. Houthi forces in Yemen have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the region, citing solidarity with Gaza, disrupting supply chains and raising insurance costs for vessels passing through the waterway. This incident underscores the persistent threat to Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged vessels operating in the region. India has consistently called for the restoration of freedom of navigation in international waters in line with international law.
Point of View
The government faces mounting pressure to do more than issue statements. The rescue of all 14 crew is a relief, but the structural risk to Indian maritime interests in the Red Sea remains unaddressed.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Indian vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea?
The MSV Faize Noore Oliya, an Indian-flagged commercial cargo vessel, was attacked by an explosives-laden boat and sank in the Red Sea off Yemen's western coast on 4 August 2026. All 14 crew members — 13 Indian sailors and one Yemeni sailor — were rescued with no casualties reported.
Were all Indian crew members rescued?
Yes, all 13 Indian nationals aboard the MSV Faize Noore Oliya were rescued. A joint operation by Yemen's coast guard and naval units under the National Resistance Forces (NRF) brought all 14 crew members to safety, and they received medical assistance.
Who was responsible for the attack on the Indian vessel?
Yemen's government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) blamed the Houthi group for the attack. However, the Houthis had not issued any comment or claimed responsibility as of the time of reporting.
What did India's MEA say about the Red Sea attack?
The MEA strongly condemned the attack and confirmed all 13 Indian nationals had been rescued. It called the continuing attacks on commercial shipping 'deeply worrisome' and demanded restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in line with international law.
Where exactly did the attack on the Faize Noore Oliya occur?
The attack occurred approximately 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah, a port city on Yemen's western coast currently held by the Houthi group. The vessel was struck by an explosives-laden boat, causing it to sink in the Red Sea.
