On October 18, a severe explosion occurred aboard the Cameroon-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker MV Falcon near the coast of Aden, Yemen, resulting in a large fire that engulfed approximately 15% of the vessel. The tanker, which was sailing from Oman to Djibouti and Cameroon, remained adrift after the explosion. The incident posed a significant threat due to the highly flammable cargo aboard. Following the blast, immediate rescue operations were launched to ensure the safety of the crew and contain further damage.
Authorities confirmed that 23 Indian crew members were rescued safely. However, one crew member remained onboard, and two others, whose nationalities have not been disclosed, were unaccounted for at the time of reporting. British security firm Ambrey stated that radio communications from the tanker indicated that the crew was preparing to abandon the vessel, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue operation. The situation was compounded by the potential for additional explosions due to the fully loaded LPG cargo, making the vessel a significant navigational hazard in the Red Sea.
The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides immediately dispatched teams to the area to assist with the rescue operation and advised nearby ships to maintain a safe distance. In a statement, Aspides highlighted the dangers posed by the fire and the tanker’s drifting status, warning all vessels in the vicinity to exercise extreme caution. They also confirmed that the fire was spreading, heightening the risk of further explosions and emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing rescue efforts.
While the region has seen repeated attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, especially amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, initial investigations indicate that this explosion was likely accidental. The Houthis issued a rare statement denying any involvement in the incident. Officials and maritime experts are closely monitoring the tanker while investigations into the cause of the blast continue.
The MV Falcon incident underscores the vulnerability of commercial vessels navigating high-risk areas such as the Red Sea, where geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts can exacerbate maritime hazards. Rescue teams and security forces continue to coordinate their efforts to secure the remaining crew members and prevent further escalation, highlighting the critical role of international naval cooperation in safeguarding maritime traffic in volatile regions.
