Aden [Yemen], August 5 (ANI): A vessel sank after being targeted in an uncrewed surface vessel attack off the coast of Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed on Wednesday.
The maritime security agency said the incident occurred 9 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Al Mukha, with details reported by the vessel’s Company Security Officer (CSO).
“The CSO of the vessel has reported that the vessel was attacked by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel, which caused a fire onboard. The crew have been rescued by local authorities and are safe and well,” the UKMTO said in a statement on X.
The agency later confirmed that the vessel had sunk.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities are investigating,” the maritime body added.
Meanwhile, Yemen on Wednesday strongly condemned what it described as a “Houthi terrorist attack” on the Indian commercial cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea, while expressing solidarity with India.
In an official statement posted on X, Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates called the attack a “direct threat to the security and safety of navigation and the freedom of trade along international waterways.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Republic of Yemen strongly condemns the Houthi terrorist attack targeting the Indian commercial cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya using an explosive-laden boat while it was sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in the vessel’s complete sinking. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the rules of international maritime law and poses a direct threat to the security and safety of navigation and the freedom of trade along international waterways,” the ministry said.
The statement came after India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals aboard the vessel had been safely rescued.
The Yemeni ministry praised the swift response by the Yemeni Coast Guard, in coordination with the Yemeni Navy, which rescued all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, and escorted them safely to the Port of Mocha.
Addressing the broader regional security situation, the ministry said the attack was part of an ongoing pattern of actions by the Houthi militia, including attacks on cities, airports, oil facilities, ports and maritime routes in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
It also highlighted the importance of collective maritime security efforts, stating that the Saudi-led multinational defensive maritime coalition was a significant initiative to counter growing threats to international shipping.
The ministry said the alliance was essential to protecting global trade routes, safeguarding energy corridors and ensuring freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
Earlier, India’s MEA had condemned the attack on MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank off the Yemeni coast on August 4.
“We condemn the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued. Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support,” the MEA said.
The ministry also expressed concern over continued attacks on commercial shipping in the region, calling for an immediate restoration of free and unhindered navigation and commerce through international waterways in line with international law. (ANI)
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