New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) - The Indian government expressed its satisfaction on Thursday with the liberation of Anilkumar Raveendran, a former Army personnel hailing from Kayamkulam, Kerala, who endured captivity at the hands of Houthi militants in the war-torn nation of Yemen. Raveendran, aged 52, originally from Pathiyoor, had been detained since July 7 by the Houthi-controlled authorities.

He was serving as a security officer on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MV Eternity C when it was targeted and ultimately sunk in the Red Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced, "The Government of India is pleased to confirm the release of Indian crew member Mr. Anilkumar Raveendran, who was held in Yemen since July 7, 2025, on board the vessel MV Eternity C."

It was also noted that Raveendran arrived in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday and is anticipated to return to India soon.

The ministry added, "The Government of India coordinated efforts with various entities to guarantee his safe release and return," and expressed appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for its role in facilitating this outcome.

The MV Eternity C was en route to the Israeli port of Eilat when Houthi forces intensified their strikes on international shipping amidst the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The rebels captured the ship and subsequently destroyed it. At the time of the incident, the vessel housed crew members from India, the Philippines, Russia, and Greece.

During the attack, four crew members lost their lives, while six others, including Augustin from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram, were rescued by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and returned home within a week.

However, 11 crew members remained imprisoned, including Raveendran, until his liberation.

Having joined the shipping company five years ago through Ocean Group Overseas Consultancy located in Palakkad, Raveendran previously served in the Indian Army for 19 years.