In brief
A projectile hit the Indian‑flagged MSV Faize Noore Oliya near Yemen’s coast, causing it to capsize and sink. All 14 crew, including 13 Indians, were rescued by Indian authorities. The incident is linked to a spike in hostile actions in the Red Sea amid geopolitical strife surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, whose blockade has shunted oil traffic to alternative routes.
An Indian‑flagged vessel capsized and sank after it was hit by a projectile off the coast of Yemen, officials say.
All 14 people on board the MSV Faize Noore Oliya – 13 of whom were Indian nationals – were safely rescued, India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed. Sonowal condemned the "unprovoked attack" and pledged steps to safeguard seafarers in the region, although the assailant remains unknown.
The incident adds to a growing list of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, especially after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in February forced many oil tankers to use alternative routes.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described shipping attacks as "deeply worrisome" and urged the swift restoration of free navigation in international waters, citing the recent US‑Israel strikes and the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, was implicated by Yemen’s transportation ministry, suggesting the use of an explosive-laden boat. Yet the group has not issued a statement. Yemen’s government also reported that its blockade of Saudi ports began on 20 July.
While the Red Sea flourishes with commercial traffic, oil prices have dipped to a three‑week low, spurred by hopes that Iran may re‑open the Strait of Hormuz as part of a new memorandum of understanding with the United States. However, diplomatic negotiations remain fragile, with Iran dismissing talks and leaning towards Oman instead.
The incident underscores the increasing volatility of maritime trade in the Middle East and the urgent need for international oversight to protect commercial shipping lanes.
