The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemns the projectile strike on MSV Faize Noore Oliya off Oman as search and rescue operations safely evacuate 13 Indian nationals.

NEW DELHI — August 05, 2026 — An Indian-flagged commercial sailing vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea region after being struck by an unprovoked projectile near Yemeni waters, with all 14 crew members—including 13 Indian nationals—rescued safely in a coordinated maritime operation, according to official statements issued by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Key Highlights

  • 14 Seafarers Rescued: All crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, safely evacuated following a projectile strike in international waters.
  • Vessel Sinks Off Oman: The commercial vessel carrying oil cargo from Saudi Arabia sank following the attack near Yemeni waters.
  • MEA Issue Condemnation: New Delhi terms the attack deeply worrisome and reiterates paramount priority for maritime security and crew safety.

Projectile Attack in Red Sea Corridor

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was transiting commercial sea lanes carrying oil cargo from Saudi Arabia when it sustained a direct projectile hit near Yemeni waters off the coast of Oman.

Confirming the development, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that emergency maritime protocols were immediately activated upon receiving distress signals, enabling swift intervention that prevented casualties despite the vessel capsizing, as reported by NewsOnAIR.

Government Response & MEA Statement

In an official communique, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the unprovoked strike on the defenceless merchant vessel, raising severe concerns over continuing threats to commercial shipping along critical Middle Eastern trade routes.

Government officials emphasized that maritime authorities and naval assets deployed in the region remain on high alert to protect merchant shipping and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers navigating high-risk maritime corridors, according to updates carried by LiveMint World News.

Maritime Security & Evacuation Coordination

All 14 rescued crew members have been transferred to safe harbor facilities, where medical assessments and consular documentation procedures are currently underway.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges for regional maritime trade, prompting shipping federations and international naval task forces to reinforce precautionary routing protocols across Red Sea and Gulf of Aden transit zones.