19 Indian Seafarers Stranded In Yemen Safely Evacuated, Return Home Underway

Nineteen Indian seafarers stranded in Yemen for nearly two weeks have been safely evacuated and are on their way back to India, the Indian Embassy in Yemen confirmed on Sunday, November 8.

The seafarers were stranded in the Yemeni cities of Hodeidah and Sanaa. Confirming their evacuation in a post on X, the embassy said all 19 Indians were safe and in good health. It also thanked everyone involved for their cooperation and support in facilitating their return.

The evacuation comes amid renewed tensions in the region and growing concerns over the security of international shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Days before the evacuation, India had confirmed that 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht near the Yemeni coast were safe. On October 23, the Indian mission said it was in contact with relevant parties to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, it remains unclear whether these 14 yacht passengers are among the 19 seafarers evacuated.

Some Arab media outlets had quoted Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree as claiming that Saudi forces targeted the Indian yacht near Yuqar Island, close to Yemen's coast. He had also said Houthi forces were involved in rescuing the passengers.

The developments come amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia has intercepted Houthi missiles and drones, while Saudi-led coalition forces have carried out airstrikes in Yemen. The latest escalation has raised fears of a wider conflict following a period of relative calm under a 2022 truce.

The violence has also renewed concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategically important international shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.