Indian Embassy Confirms 14 Nationals on Yacht off Yemen Coast Are Safe

NEW DELHI: The Indian government confirmed on Friday that 14 Indian nationals onboard a yacht involved in an incident off the coast of Yemen are safe. The update was shared by the Indian mission on social media, noting that the individuals are located around Hodeidah in Yemen.

The announcement follows conflicting reports regarding the vessel. On Thursday, Arab media quoted Yemen's Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree, who claimed that Saudi forces had targeted the Indian yacht near Yuqar Island in the Red Sea. Saree stated at the time that the yacht was carrying 14 Indian nationals and that Houthi forces were attempting to rescue them.

The Indian embassy has not yet specifically commented on the source of the attack on the yacht. Earlier, the mission stated that it had reached out to different parties to establish the circumstances and facts surrounding the incident.

The incident unfolds against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with both sides targeting each other's facilities and infrastructure. Tensions in the region were further highlighted by a separate incident on Wednesday, in which an Indian national was killed and three others injured in two separate attacks on a major airport and an oil field in Saudi Arabia.

The Indian embassy stated that it will continue to work to ensure the well-being of the 14 Indian nationals involved in the yacht incident, having previously noted that it would provide all possible help to ensure their safety amid the regional tensions.

"This situation highlights the critical importance of robust geopolitical risk management for international operations and maritime logistics. As regional tensions escalate, business continuity plans must account for unforeseen security challenges that can impact personnel and supply chains operating in volatile zones. Ensuring the safety and swift communication channels for employees stationed abroad remains a primary operational priority during such crises." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes