Indian seafarers stranded in Yemen safely evacuated by Indian Embassy

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

The mission reported that all 19 sailors, who were stuck in the Yemeni cities of Hodeidah and Sana'a, are safe and in good health. In a statement posted on X, the embassy thanked all local and international parties whose cooperation facilitated the rescue.

The swift evacuation demonstrates New Delhi's effective consular reach and resolute commitment to protecting Indian citizens abroad. Amid heightened regional volatility, diplomatic channels were maintained to secure the crew's prompt extraction from conflict zones.

Details of the Yemeni maritime evacuations

The rescue follows a separate maritime incident reported in late October off the Yemeni coast. On 23 October, the Indian mission confirmed that 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht near Hodeidah were safe. Officials have not stated whether those 14 individuals are included among the 19 seafarers evacuated this week.

Tensions persist along Red Sea maritime routes

The maritime incidents occurred during a resurgence of hostilities between Saudi forces and Yemen's Houthi movement. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree had previously claimed that Saudi forces targeted the Indian yacht near Yuqar Island in the Red Sea, adding that Houthi personnel helped rescue the crew.

Subsequent clashes have included Houthi missile and drone launches towards Saudi targets and counter-airstrikes by Saudi-led coalition forces. The renewed military action has threatened a fragile ceasefire established under a 2022 truce, raising security concerns along the Bab al-Mandab Strait and key Red Sea trade routes.

Despite the difficult security conditions on the ground, Indian diplomatic teams successfully managed the evacuation, ensuring all 19 citizens were extracted safely and set on their journey back home.