Trying to find out the ‘facts’ about an incident ‘apparently’ involving Indians on a yacht off the coast of Yemen: India

Yemen coast. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Indian embassy in Yemen said on Friday (Oct 23, 2026) that it had reached out to various parties to “find out the circumstances and facts” surrounding the incident off the coast of Yemen in which “Indian nationals are believed to have been on board the yacht”.

Some Arab media on Thursday (October 22, 2026) quoted Yemeni Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree as saying that Saudi forces targeted an Indian yacht near Yuqar Island near the Yemeni coast in the Red Sea.

Mr Saree said the yacht was carrying 14 Indian nationals and that Houthi forces were rescuing them. He said more details would be provided later.

“We are continuing to seek further details on the October 22 incident off the coast of Yemen in which Indian nationals (sailors) were apparently on board the yacht,” the Indian mission posted on social media on Friday (Oct 23, 2026).

The incident comes at a time of escalating hostilities between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with both sides targeting each other’s facilities and infrastructure.

“Due to the prevailing conflict situation, accurate information is not available at this time. We have reached out to various parties to ascertain the circumstances and facts of the incident and hope to update once authentic information is available,” the mission said.

The Indian Embassy on Thursday (Oct 22, 2026) said it is investigating the details of the incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen and will provide all possible assistance to ensure their safety, amid escalating tensions in the region.

“We are investigating further details of the incident and will provide all possible assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens,” it said on social media on Thursday (October 22, 2026).

One Indian national was killed and three others were injured in two separate attacks on a major airport and oil field in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (October 21, 2026).

Published – 23 Oct 2026 09:50 IST