India Probes Yemen Yacht Incident Involving 14 Indians, All Reported Safe

India is working to establish the circumstances surrounding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht off Yemen’s coast, after the country’s embassy reported that all those involved were safe. The incident, reported on October 22, has drawn attention to the growing security risks facing Indian nationals in conflict-affected waters, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement alleging that Saudi forces targeted the vessel near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea.

The Indian Embassy in Yemen said on October 23 that all 14 nationals were reportedly safe and located around Hodeidah, a major port city on Yemen’s western coast. The mission said it had contacted multiple parties to verify the circumstances and would provide all possible assistance. However, responsibility for the incident and the condition of the yacht remain unconfirmed.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree reportedly claimed that Saudi forces targeted the yacht near Zuqar Island, also known as Jabal Zuqar, and that Houthi forces were conducting a rescue operation. The allegation has not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities had not publicly responded to the specific claim at the time of reporting.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping corridor connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The route, linked to the Suez Canal, carries significant international cargo and energy shipments. Repeated attacks on commercial vessels since late 2023 have raised concerns over maritime safety, shipping costs and disruptions to global supply chains.

The latest episode follows the August 4 sinking of the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya after it was struck by a projectile near Yemen. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians and one Yemeni national, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to Mokha. India condemned the attack and called for safe, unimpeded navigation through international waters.

Regional concerns have intensified following October 21 attacks involving King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field, which killed one Indian national and injured three others. India condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.

India supplies more than 300,000 seafarers to global shipping fleets, making their protection a major concern. The embassy continues to seek verified details about the yacht incident, including responsibility, the vessel’s status and the circumstances of the reported rescue.