Attack on Boat Carrying Indians in Yemen

India’s diplomatic mission in Yemen has confirmed that 14 Indian nationals aboard a boat near the coastal area of Hodeidah are safe, following reports of an attack on the vessel. The mission said efforts were underway to ensure their safety and bring them to a secure location. On October 22, the Houthis alleged that Saudi Arabia had attacked a luxury boat carrying Indian nationals near Jabal Zuqar Island. They also claimed that the Yemeni military had rescued those on board.

In its initial response, the Indian mission said it had received information that Indian sailors were aboard a pleasure vessel but that details remained limited because of the tense situation. It was coordinating with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. A few hours later, it confirmed that the Indians were safe, without identifying who carried out the alleged attack. Indian seafarers play a significant role in global maritime transport, and escalating tensions in West Asia, along with attacks on vessels and reports of missing or deceased sailors, have raised concerns about their safety.