11 crew members, 7 Indians with UAE ship held hostage by Houthis in Yemen

New Delhi: India has called on Houthis to release the crew members immediately, including seven from India and the UAE flagged ship Rwabee.

The UAE ship Rwabee was seized by the Houthis off the port of Hodeidah in Yemen on January 2. The vessel has 11 crew members, and seven of them are from India.

In response to media queries on Indian sailors, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: "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."

He said, "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."

He said the 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," the MEA spokesman said.

According to media reports, besides seven from India, there are four others, each from Ethiopia, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.