New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Yemen has begun gathering information after reports emerged that a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals was targeted off Yemen’s coast in the Red Sea, amid heightened regional tensions.
The Indian Embassy in Yemen said it had taken note of reports about the incident and was working to establish the facts. It added that all possible assistance would be provided to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals.
According to reports, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed that the yacht was targeted near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. He said Yemeni forces were conducting rescue operations and that further details would be released later.
As of Thursday, the circumstances of the reported attack remained unclear. There was no confirmed information about who was responsible, the condition of those aboard or the extent of any damage to the yacht. The attack claim had not been independently verified.
The incident comes amid continuing concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea, a key international shipping route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
In August, the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faiz Noor Olia sank in the Red Sea after being struck by a projectile near Yemen. According to the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, all 14 crew members were rescued, including 13 Indian nationals.
India has called for attacks on commercial vessels to stop and for freedom of navigation along international sea routes to be protected in accordance with international law.
The embassy said it would provide further assistance as more information about the latest incident becomes available.
