The Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker Falcon (IMO: 9014432) issued a distress call on Saturday morning, October 18, after an explosion and fire broke out while the vessel was sailing approximately 130 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The incident triggered a major multinational search and rescue operation, coordinated by EUNAVFOR Aspides, with a Greek frigate (HS Spetsai) and French air assets deployed to the scene.
The crew of 26 seafarers (one Ukrainian and 25 Indian nationals) abandoned the vessel following the blast. According to Aspides, 24 crew members have been rescued by nearby merchant vessels Meda and AK Carl and are being transported to Djibouti. One crewmember remains missing, and one is believed to still be onboard the burning vessel. Approximately 15 percent of the ship is reported to be affected by the fire, and the Falcon is currently adrift and abandoned.
Aspides has initially referred to the event as an accident. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed it had received a distress alert from the vessel, which reported an onboard explosion. It was first categorised as an attack, but later came with an update that they were not able to rule out and onboard accident. Following the blast, the ship caught fire and began drifting. Rescue efforts were immediately launched, and 25/26 crew members are accounted for. The Houthis have issued a statement denying any involvement, saying they are currently observing a mourning period following the reported death of senior commander Mohammed Abd Al-Karim Al-Ghamari. Their last confirmed attack on commercial shipping in the region was on September 29.
The Falcon (30,761 dwt), built in 1994, is reported to be owned by an Indian company. Its history raises additional concerns. 13 deficiencies were recorded during a January 2025 port state inspection in Turkey, where it was detained for a hole in its hull and corroded ventilation pipes, among other safety violations. Indian authorities had previously flagged 17 deficiencies in August 2023, including corrosion, cargo safety, and seafarer welfare.
The tanker’s AIS signal lists Khor Al Zubair, Iraq, to Djibouti as its current voyage. However, Ambrey reports the vessel sailed from Oman, while TankerTrackers.com believes it actually loaded in Iran and may have been bound for Yemen. U.S.-based watchdog UANI (United Against Nuclear Iran) says the Falcon has previously carried Iranian petroleum cargo.
Aspides has issued a navigation warning to other vessels in the Gulf of Aden and continues to oversee rescue efforts. Further investigation will determine whether the explosion was caused by mechanical failure or an external attack.
More updates are expected as authorities confirm the status of the missing seafarer and secure the drifting vessel.
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