An Indian merchant vessel capsized and sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday evening following a direct missile strike, according to official statements issued by Indian government representatives. The attack marks a renewed escalation in maritime targeting along critical shipping lanes in the region.
India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed that all 14 crew members aboard the vessel, including 13 Indian nationals, were successfully rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard following the incident.
Rescued personnel were transferred directly to the port of Mokha along the southwestern coast of Yemen. Government authorities have not yet released official status updates regarding the physical condition of the rescued crew members or reported casualties resulting from the impact.
The Indian government issued an official statement condemning the missile strike against the unarmed merchant ship.
"India strongly condemns this unjustified attack on the defenseless vessel. The safety of our people is our top priority," the statement declared.
Indian officials called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting global supply lines and commercial shipping in international waters.
"The continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region is deeply concerning. The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must stop, and freedom of navigation in international waterways in the region must be restored as soon as possible, in accordance with international law," the statement added.
The sinking follows a series of maritime incidents throughout the past month involving Houthi forces operating out of Yemen, including ship hijackings, threats against the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and strikes targeting Saudi oil infrastructure.
In response to growing maritime security threats, the Saudi Defense Ministry hosted an emergency meeting featuring representatives from 43 nations to establish a global coalition to protect international trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
"The meeting recorded broad participation by representatives from 43 countries," the Saudi Defense Ministry stated. "Participants discussed the growing threats to maritime security, including attacks on commercial ships, energy tankers, and maritime infrastructure, and the risks they pose to navigation safety and the stability of global supply chains."
According to reporting published by Srugim News, naval forces in the region maintain heightened readiness as multinational defense frameworks evaluate options to secure commercial shipping routes.
