An Indian-flagged vessel, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, capsized and sank after being struck by a projectile off Yemen’s coast, according to officials.
All 14 crew members on board—13 Indian nationals—were safely rescued, India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed, adding that the attack was "unprovoked" and that steps would be taken to ensure seafarers’ safety in the region.
The incident is part of a surge of attacks on commercial shipping along the Red Sea, a route that ships have increasingly used since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February, escalating tensions in a region critical to global oil trade.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs later released a statement describing these attacks as "deeply worrisome" and urged the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation in accordance with international law.
Yemen’s transportation ministry accused Iran-backed Houthis of launching the attack via a boat laden with explosives, while the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports on 20 July.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency has reported several similar attacks on merchant vessels in recent weeks, further heightening concern for global shipping security.
Despite the mounting threats, global oil prices fell to a three‑week low, as senior U.S. officials raised hopes of a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore stable shipping lanes.
