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Indian Army Vet Freed: How Houthi Captivity Ended After 5 Months

An Indian crew member has finally been freed after months in captivity. Anilkumar Raveendran was held by Houthi rebels in Yemen since July. He was working on a cargo ship that was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea. The Indian government worked with Oman to secure his release and bring him home.

Key Points: Indian Crew Member Anilkumar Raveendran Freed from Houthi Captivity

  • Anilkumar Raveendran was detained by Houthi forces in Yemen since July 7, 2025
  • He worked as a security officer on the cargo ship MV Eternity C
  • The vessel was attacked and sunk by Houthi militants in the Red Sea
  • Four crew members were killed during the initial assault on the ship
  • Raveendran reached Muscat, Oman, and is expected to return to India soon
  • India coordinated with Oman and other parties to secure his safe release
  • The ship was targeted amid Houthi attacks on shipping linked to Israel-Gaza conflict
  • Raveendran is a 52-year-old Army veteran from Kayamkulam, Kerala
2 min read

Indian crew member freed after months in Houthi captivity: MEA

Indian Army veteran Anilkumar Raveendran freed after months held by Houthi rebels in Yemen. MEA confirms his release, coordinated with Oman.

"Government of India welcomes the release of Indian crew member Mr Anilkumar Raveendran - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, Dec 4

India on Thursday welcomed the release of Indian crew member Anilkumar Raveendran, an Army veteran from Kayamkulam in Kerala who had been held captive by Houthi rebels in conflict-ravaged Yemen.

Raveendran, 52, a native of Pathiyoor, had been detained by security forces under the Houthi-controlled Yemeni administration since July 7.

He was working as a security officer aboard the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MV Eternity C when it was attacked and eventually sunk in the Red Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announcing his release, said, "Government of India welcomes the release of Indian crew member Mr Anilkumar Raveendran, who was on the ship MV Eternity C and under detention in Yemen since 07 July 2025."

The ministry confirmed that Raveendran reached Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday and is expected to return to India shortly.

It added that "Government of India had been coordinating efforts with various parties to ensure his safe release and return," while expressing gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for facilitating his release.

The MV Eternity C, bound for the Israeli port of Eilat, was targeted as Houthi militants stepped up attacks on international shipping amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The rebels seized the vessel before destroying it. The ship had crew members from India, the Philippines, Russia and Greece on board at the time of the attack.

Four crew members were killed during the assault, while six others, including Augustin from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram, were rescued by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and repatriated within a week.

However, 11 members of the crew, including Raveendran, continued to remain in captivity until his release.

Raveendran joined the shipping company five years ago through the Palakkad-based agency Ocean Group Overseas Consultancy.

Before entering the maritime sector, he had served in the Indian Army for 19 years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So glad he is safe! But my heart goes out to the families of the four crew members who lost their lives. 😔 These attacks on civilian shipping are horrific. Why are Indian seafarers, who work so hard to support our economy, always caught in these crossfires?
V
Vikram M
An Army veteran serving the nation again, this time on the high seas. Salute to his service and resilience. However, a question for the shipping agencies: are they doing enough risk assessment before sending our people into active conflict zones like the Red Sea?
S
Sarah B
This is wonderful news. The coordination between India and Oman seems to have been key. It's a reminder of how important strong international partnerships are for the safety of citizens abroad.
R
Rohit P
From Pathiyoor to Yemen captivity... what an ordeal. These Malayali seafarers are the backbone of the global shipping industry, but at what cost? Government should mandate higher insurance and safer routes for vessels employing Indian crew.
K
Karthik V
The article says the ship was bound for Israel. While every life matters, shouldn't there be a travel advisory or extra caution for Indian vessels/crews heading to ports involved in active conflicts? Just a thought. Glad he's free.

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