Twenty-three Indian crew members were successfully rescued following a fire breakout on the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon after an explosion occurred near the coast of Aden, Yemen. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident, dispelling rumors linking the blast to a Houthi attack.
The event occurred on October 18 as the vessel was en route from Oman to Djibouti, Cameroon. Approximately 15 percent of the ship caught fire due to the explosion, leaving the rest of the vessel adrift.
Although the exact cause of the explosion is still being probed, preliminary findings indicate it was accidental in nature.
Reports from British security firm Ambrey indicated that the crew was making preparations to abandon the ship as a search-and-rescue mission was initiated.
In response to the emergency, the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides promptly launched a search and rescue operation. Two crew members of unknown nationality were reported missing, with one crew member still aboard the MV Falcon.
Given the risk of further explosions due to the vessel being fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, Aspides advised nearby ships to maintain a safe distance from the tanker.
Notably, with the ongoing conflict in the region, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea corridor, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
In an unusual move, the Houthis denied any involvement in the incident.
The safety warning was issued as the fire onboard the MV Falcon escalated, posing a navigational hazard in the area, urging caution among all vessels nearby.