A vessel carrying an Indian flag, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank following impact from a projectile in waters off the Yemeni coast. The incident occurred as part of broader shipping disruptions affecting the region. According to India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, all 14 individuals aboard the vessel—13 of whom held Indian nationality—were successfully rescued. The minister characterized the event as an unprovoked attack and indicated the government would pursue measures to enhance maritime safety in the area.
The identity of those responsible for the strike remains unclear, though Yemen’s transportation ministry, operating under the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government, attributed the attack to Iran-backed Houthi forces, claiming they deployed a boat laden with explosives. The Houthis have not issued statements regarding the incident. India’s ministry of external affairs released a statement describing shipping attacks in the region as deeply concerning and calling for restoration of free navigation and unobstructed commerce through international waterways in accordance with established maritime law.
This incident represents the latest in a series of attacks targeting commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, an alternative shipping route that some vessels have relied upon since early in the year. Regional shipping has faced significant disruption following military strikes in late February, after which Iran implemented a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping channel. The Houthis announced a blockade on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports on 20 July, contributing to heightened risks. Despite ongoing tensions, oil prices declined to a three-week low as senior US officials indicated progress in diplomatic discussions aimed at reopening the Strait and de-escalating regional hostilities.
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