Yemen’s Transport Ministry says Houthi attack sinks Indian cargo vessel in Red Sea, crew rescued

Yemen’s Ministry of Transport said on Tuesday that a civilian Indian cargo vessel was sunk in the Red Sea after it was targeted by a booby-trapped boat operated by the Houthi militia.

The ministry said in a statement that the vessel, MSV FAIZE NOORE OLIYA 1451, was attacked while sailing toward the port of Mokha early on Tuesday, resulting in the vessel’s complete sinking.

It added that Yemen’s Coast Guard forces in the Red Sea sector, in coordination with the Yemeni Navy, successfully rescued all 14 crew members aboard the vessel and safely transferred them to the port of Mokha.

The ministry praised the response by the Coast Guard and naval forces, describing it as a reflection of their readiness and capability in handling such incidents.

The ministry condemned the attack, saying it represented a serious violation of international humanitarian law and maritime regulations, and posed a direct threat to the safety and security of international navigation.

It said targeting civilian commercial vessels was a “terrorist act” that demonstrated the Houthis’ continued efforts to destabilize key international waterways, threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt global trade, while putting the lives of seafarers at risk.

The ministry called on the international community, the UN Security Council and international maritime organizations to clearly condemn the attack, take firm action against repeated violations targeting commercial vessels and shipping routes, and strengthen measures to protect maritime security.

It reaffirmed Yemen’s commitment to coordinating with national, regional and international partners to enhance maritime safety, protect lives and property, and ensure the continued flow of global trade through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, among the world’s most strategic maritime corridors.