Dubai, October 24 : All 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht involved in an incident off the coast of Yemen are reported to be safe, the Indian mission said on Friday, adding that it would continue efforts to ensure their well-being.
In a statement posted on social media, the Indian mission said reports indicated that the Indians were safe and located in the vicinity of Hodeidah in Yemen.
The incident came to light after Arab media reports on Thursday quoted Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree as claiming that Saudi forces had targeted the Indian yacht near Yuqar Island in the Red Sea, off the Yemeni coast.
According to Saree, the yacht was carrying 14 Indian nationals, and Houthi forces were involved in efforts to rescue them. He said further details would be shared later.
The Indian Embassy has not confirmed the circumstances of the incident or specifically commented on the reported source of the attack.
Earlier, the embassy had said it was in contact with various parties to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine what had happened. It also assured that all possible assistance would be extended to safeguard the Indian nationals.
The development comes amid rising tensions in the region involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia, with reports of attacks targeting facilities and infrastructure on both sides.
The incident follows separate attacks on a major airport and an oil field in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, in which one Indian national was killed and three others were injured.
The Indian mission said it would continue monitoring the situation and work to ensure the safety and welfare of all 14 nationals.
