'Govt making all effort to secure release of Indian sailors on UAE ship seized by Houthis'

New Delhi, Jan 12: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the government is making all efforts to secure the early release of Indian sailors who were onboard the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-flagged ship Rwabee that has been seized by Houthis.

 

In a statement, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said all the seven Indian crew members on the seized ship were safe. The ship was seized by the Houthi rebels off the port of Hodeidah (Yemen) on January 2, the MEA said.

 

“The Government of India has been closely monitoring developments following the seizure of the UAE flagged ship… We are in touch with the company operating the ship and have been informed that out of the 11 crew members on board the ship, seven are from India.”

 

Notably, the Houthi rebels have a strong presence in parts of Yemen.

 

“We urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and release them immediately. India is concerned at the recent intensification of fighting in Yemen and hopes that all parties will come to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemen issue,” the MEA added in the statement.

 

 

"Government of India has been closely monitoring developments following the seizure of the UAE flagged ship Rwabee off the port of Hodeidah (Yemen) by the Houthis on January 2, 2022. We are in touch with the company operating the ship and have been informed that out of the 11 crew members on board the ship, seven are from India. We also understand from the company and other sources that all Indian crew members are safe. Government of India is making all efforts to secure their early release. We urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and release them immediately. India is concerned at the recent intensification of fighting in Yemen and hopes that all parties will come to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemen issue.”