DUBAI, Oct 23: All 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht involved in an incident off Yemen’s coast have been reported safe, the Indian Embassy said on Friday, adding that it would continue to take steps to ensure their well being.
The development follows reports in Arab media quoting Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree as alleging that Saudi forces had targeted the yacht near Yuqar Island in the Red Sea, off the Yemeni coast.
Saree had claimed that 14 Indians were aboard the vessel and that Houthi forces were engaged in rescue efforts. He also said further details about the incident would be shared later.
In a social media post on Friday, the Indian mission said available reports indicated that all 14 nationals were safe and were located in the vicinity of Hodeidah, Yemen.
The embassy reiterated its commitment to working towards their safety and well-being. However, it has not yet confirmed who was responsible for the reported attack.
Earlier, the mission said it had contacted various parties to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and verify the available information. On Thursday, it also assured that all possible assistance would be extended to the Indian nationals.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia, with both sides reportedly targeting facilities and infrastructure in the region.
Separately, an Indian national was killed and three others were injured in two attacks targeting a major airport and an oil field in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, highlighting the security risks facing the region amid escalating hostilities.