The Indian Embassy in Yemen is working to verify reports of an incident involving a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals off the country’s coast, as escalating regional hostilities complicate efforts to establish the facts.
In a statement on October 23, the Indian mission said it had contacted multiple parties to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, which allegedly took place on October 22. The embassy said reliable information was not yet available because of the prevailing conflict and that it would provide an update once authentic details were confirmed.
The mission also reiterated its commitment to providing assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals reportedly on board.
Houthi Claim About Yacht Incident Under Verification
Reports in Arab media on Thursday cited Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree as claiming that Saudi forces had targeted an Indian yacht near Yuqar Island, off Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
According to the claim, the yacht was carrying 14 Indian nationals and Houthi forces were attempting to rescue them. Saree reportedly said further details would be shared later.
However, the circumstances of the alleged attack and the condition and whereabouts of the reported passengers had not been independently established in the information provided by the Indian mission.
The embassy said it was continuing to reach out to different parties to verify the incident. Its earlier statement on October 22 also indicated that officials were trying to establish the facts and would extend possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
Regional Conflict Raises Safety Concerns
The reported incident comes amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, with attacks reportedly targeting facilities and infrastructure on both sides.
The wider security situation has raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working or travelling in the region, including sailors operating near conflict-affected waters.
An Indian national was reportedly killed and three others injured in two separate attacks on a major airport and an oil field in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to the supplied report.
India Awaits Confirmed Information
The Indian mission’s immediate priority is to establish what happened to the yacht and verify the status of the 14 nationals reportedly on board.
Until further confirmation is available, key details—including the precise circumstances of the incident, responsibility for the reported targeting and the condition of those involved—remain unclear.
The embassy has said it will share further information when reliable details become available and continue efforts to support the Indian nationals.
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