Indians aboard UAE-flagged ship seized by Houthis safe; MEA demands immediate release

Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday asserted that seven Indian sailors aboard United Arab Emirates-flagged ship Rwabee that has been captured by Houthis, are safe. Union government is making immediate efforts to secure ir release as soon as possible.

While responding to media queries on detention of Indian sailors aboard Rwabee ship, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi apprised that government has been monitoring all developments related to ship that was seized on port of Hodeidah (Yemen) on January 2, 2022.

All Indians onboard Rwabee ship are safe: MEA Spokesperson Bagchi

MEA spokesperson furr informed that government is in touch with operating company that h seized UAE-flagged ship and informed that out of 11 sailors being held captive by m, seven are Indians. 

Ministry of External Affairs informed in statement, "Government of India has been closely monitoring developments following seizure of UAE flagged ship Rwabee off port of Hodeidah (Yemen) by Houthis on January 2, 2022. We are in touch with company operating ship and have been informed that out of 11 crew members onboard ship, seven are from India.”

'Govt in touch with Houthis, we have demanded early release of Indian sailors': MEA

“We also understand from company and or sources that all Indian crew members are safe, Government of India is making all efforts to secure ir early release,” statement re.

External Affairs Ministry h also stated that y have urged Houthis to ensure safety and well being of members on board. government is in constant touch with Houthis and have requested m to immediately release Indians on board. “We urge Houthis to ensure safety and well-being of crew members and release m immediately,” MEA said in a statement.

Furr ackwledging ongoing dispute and ‘infighting’ in Yemen, MEA h said that India is concerned about growing dispute in Middle-Eastern country and stated that India hopes for an early resolution of matter.

“India is concerned at recent intensification of fighting in Yemen and hopes that all parties will come to negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to Yemen issue,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. 

Im: AP, Representative