India’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack by the Iran-backed Houthis on a ship flying the flag of the country off the coasts of Yemen.

The statement published on the website of India’s foreign ministry says that despite the sinking of the cargo ship “MV Fajer Noor Alia,” all 13 Indian crew members of the vessel were rescued with the help of Yemen’s legitimate government.

The statement further said that continued attacks on cargo ships in the region are deeply concerning and must be stopped immediately. India emphasized the need for the free passage of ships through the region’s waterways, in accordance with international law.

The Yemen transport ministry of the government supported by the United Nations says the Houthi attackers used a boat carrying explosive materials to attack the Indian ship.

The ship sank on Tuesday in the waters of the Red Sea. The Houthis had recently also attacked two Saudi oil tankers.