Indian seafarer Anilkumar Raveendran released after nearly five months in Yemen

The Government of India has welcomed the release of Indian crew member Anilkumar Raveendran, who had been detained in Yemen since July 7, 2025, following a missile attack on the cargo vessel MV Eternity C . Raveendran, a former army personnel from Pathiyoor, Kerala , arrived in Muscat on Tuesday and is expected to return to India soon.

The Liberia-flagged MV Eternity C was struck by a Houthi missile in the Red Sea in early July, after which several crew members went missing and were detained. During his detention, Raveendran contacted his family to assure them of his safety, providing relief to relatives who had been anxiously awaiting news.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for facilitating Raveendran’s release. Indian authorities worked through diplomatic channels and with regional partners to ensure his safe passage home, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in conflict zones.

The Houthis , also known as Ansar Allah , are a rebel group from northern Yemen seeking political influence and opposing foreign intervention in the country. They have targeted ships in the Red Sea as part of asymmetric warfare, disrupting trade routes and pressuring international actors involved in Yemen’s ongoing conflict. The Red Sea is a strategically vital shipping route , linking the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal to global trade, which makes it a key area for maritime operations and vulnerability.

The Indian government has emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures for seafarers in conflict zones , including pre-deployment risk assessment, mandatory safety protocols, real-time ship monitoring, and robust diplomatic support. Coordination with international maritime authorities, naval escorts in high-risk areas, and comprehensive insurance coverage are also recommended to protect Indian crew members operating in dangerous waters.

Raveendran’s release marks the end of a nearly five-month ordeal and underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and timely diplomatic interventions for Indian seafarers operating in volatile regions.