New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Yemen is gathering information after reports emerged on Thursday of an incident involving a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals off Yemen’s coast, amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea.
The embassy said it was working to establish the facts and would extend all possible assistance to safeguard the Indians’ safety and well-being.
“We have seen reports regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen today,” the mission said in a statement.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incident remain unclear. Details about the condition of the passengers, possible damage to the yacht and the identity of those responsible had not been independently established at the time of reporting.
What Did Yemen’s Houthi-Aligned Military Spokesperson Claim?
According to reports, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson aligned with Yemen’s Houthi movement, claimed that a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals had been targeted near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea.
He said Yemeni forces were carrying out rescue operations and indicated that further information would be provided later.
However, the claim had not been independently verified at the time of reporting. There was no confirmed account establishing who was responsible for the reported incident or what had happened to the vessel and its passengers.
The Indian Embassy said it was working to ascertain the facts and would provide assistance as more information became available.
Why Is The Red Sea Important?
The reported incident comes amid continuing security concerns around Yemen and the Red Sea, a strategically important maritime corridor connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The route is a major passage for international trade, including energy shipments. Repeated attacks and security threats in the wider region have raised concerns about the safety of commercial vessels and seafarers.
India has previously called for attacks on commercial shipping to stop and for freedom of navigation through international waterways to be protected in accordance with international law.
Previous Red Sea Incident Involving Indian Crew Members
The latest reports follow an incident in August involving the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea after being hit by a projectile near Yemen.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued.
The earlier incident had renewed concerns about the risks faced by Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by regional hostilities.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority is to establish what happened to the yacht reportedly carrying the 14 Indian nationals and confirm the condition of everyone aboard.
The Indian Embassy has said it will extend assistance as further details emerge. Until more information is confirmed, the identity of those responsible and the precise circumstances of the reported targeting remain uncertain.
