An Indian-flagged commercial vessel sank in the Red Sea on Tuesday after coming under attack near Yemen. Authorities rescued all crew members from the ship, avoiding a potential loss of life during the incident.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. India has strongly condemned the incident, while Yemen’s internationally recognised government blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the attack.
Crew Rescued After Ship Comes Under Attack
The vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was attacked south of Yemen’s Hodeida port, according to a local official in Mokha.
The ship’s entire crew survived the incident. Coastguards rescued 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni crew member after the vessel came under attack.
Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel was “hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters”.
“India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack,” he added.
The incident has placed renewed attention on the risks facing commercial vessels operating near Yemen. The Red Sea remains an important route for international trade and energy shipments.
India Condemns Red Sea Attack
India’s government strongly criticised the attack on the commercial ship. Foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal called for an end to attacks against civilian shipping.
“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end,” he said.
India plays a major role in the global maritime workforce. According to the country’s shipping ministry, more than 320,000 Indian seafarers were active in 2025.
Consequently, attacks involving commercial vessels in the region carry particular significance for India. The government continues to monitor developments involving Indian sailors and shipping interests.
Houthis Blamed for Attack
Yemen’s internationally recognised government attributed the attack to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to the official Saba news agency.
The incident follows the Houthis’ declaration of a Red Sea maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group has since claimed responsibility for several attacks involving oil tankers and energy infrastructure.
The latest incident could further increase concerns among shipping companies operating through the region. Commercial operators already face heightened security risks because of ongoing regional tensions.
Red Sea Routes Gain Importance
The security situation has become even more significant following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of the Middle East war.
The disruption has increased the importance of alternative maritime routes through the Red Sea. Shipping companies and energy exporters have been forced to consider alternative routes to maintain access to global markets.
Saudi Arabia has continued using its Red Sea port of Yanbu to ship oil internationally. The route allows the country to bypass the Strait of Hormuz entirely.
The sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya therefore highlights the growing risks surrounding major maritime routes. While all 14 crew members were rescued, the attack underscores the continuing threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
