New Delhi: At least seven out of 20 Indian crew members are missing after their boats came under aerial bombardment while plying between Somalia and Yemen, External Affairs Ministry said today.
Disputing reports that 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition forces at Yemen's Hodeidah port, the MEA said 13 Indians crew members "are alive and 7 are reported missing".
"We have seen media reports about the death of Indian nationals in Yemen. Indian Embassy officials in Djbouti are in touch with local contacts and we have ascertained that there were two boats one of which was plying between Berbera (Somalia) and Mokha (Yemen)," the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said.
The boats came under aerial bombardment in the afternoon of 8 September. The boats were carrying a total of 20 Indian crew members of which 13 are alive and 7 are reported missing, he said, adding, no other information is currently available regarding the identities of the Indian nationals.
"Embassy officials are in constant touch with local authorities and are also due to meet with the boat owner today at which point of time more information would be available," he said.
Some media reports, quoting residents and fishermen, yesterday claimed that at least 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition forces on fuel smugglers at Yemen's Hodeidah port.
They claimed two boats were hit in the attack on an area near the port.
India does not have Embassy in Yemen, which was shut down in April after evacuation of its nationals.
Disputing reports that 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition forces at Yemen's Hodeidah port, the MEA said 13 Indians crew members "are alive and 7 are reported missing".
"We have seen media reports about the death of Indian nationals in Yemen. Indian Embassy officials in Djbouti are in touch with local contacts and we have ascertained that there were two boats one of which was plying between Berbera (Somalia) and Mokha (Yemen)," the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said.
"Embassy officials are in constant touch with local authorities and are also due to meet with the boat owner today at which point of time more information would be available," he said.
Advertisement
They claimed two boats were hit in the attack on an area near the port.
India does not have Embassy in Yemen, which was shut down in April after evacuation of its nationals.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Case Of Indian Nurse's Death Sentence With Yemeni President, Providing Assistance: Centre Yemen's Houthis Vow "Huge" Retaliation Against Israel For Deadly Port Strike Houthis Pledge "Huge" Response to Israel Strike As Gaza Violence Spreads Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP "Took Advantage Of His Addiction": 5 Charged Over Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Ukraine, Russia Both Claim Advances In Kursk Region Gaza Ceasefire Talks Underway In Qatar As Deaths Top 40,000 Trump To Hold Press Conference, His Campaign Adds Senior Advisers Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.