Nine Indian sailors rescued near Yemeni coast: report

Nine Indian sailors, who were rescued from an ill-fated 'dhow' that sank nearly 90 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukalla coast in Yemen, have safely reached Oman, according to a report.

Tajudin Baba, a traditional Arabian vessel or 'dhow', carrying cargo to Somalia, capsized between the UAE and Oman last week and was later rescued by another dhow Al Sulthana Madina.

All the nine sailors who reached Oman's Salalah Port are said to be from Gujarat, Times of Oman reported.

"The dhow weighing was on its way to the port of Bossaso in northeast Somalia when it overturned due to heavy winds and massive sea waves. All the nine sailors are safe and sound," Yunus, the captain of the sunken dhow, was quoted as saying by the paper.

Yunus said the dhow, which was loaded with food items, vehicles, construction equipment and other commodities, left the port of Shariqa in the UAE on September 18. The dhow reportedly hit a large object, and later disintegrated.

"We spotted them floating on planks on Thursday. Thanks to the Almighty, we were able to rescue them," Al Sulthana Madina's captain said.

"After the paper work is completed, we will travel on-board the Al Sulthana Madina back to India," said Yunus.