A retired Indian Army soldier has been released after five months of captivity held by Houthi forces in Yemen. Anilkumar Raveendran, 52, hailing from Kayamkulam, was detained on July 7 while serving as a security officer on the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MV Eternity. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region due to the escalating Israel–Gaza conflict, which ultimately led to the vessel being attacked and sunk in the Red Sea.
During his time in captivity, Anilkumar described his experience as a form of severe mental torture, despite not suffering any physical harm. He was confined to a small room in Sanaa, a situation that tested his resilience and fortitude. His release and subsequent return to India on Thursday marked the culmination of a distressing ordeal for his family, who had endured uncertainty and anguish during his absence.
The MV Eternity was targeted while en route to the Israeli port of Eilat, resulting in the tragic deaths of four crew members. While six others were rescued shortly after the incident by the EU Naval Force, Anilkumar and ten crew members—including nine Filipinos and one Greek national—remained in Houthi custody until their recent liberation.
Before transitioning to the merchant shipping industry five years ago, Anilkumar dedicated 19 years of his life to serving in the Indian Army. His journey now sees him reuniting with his wife Sreeja and their two children. Their son Anuj is currently pursuing a degree in Emergency Medicine, while their daughter Anugha is in the Plus-I program.
The safe return of Anilkumar not only brings relief to his family but also emphasizes the growing risks faced by seafarers operating in conflict-prone maritime areas, particularly in the volatile waters of the Red Sea region.
