Abandoned Burning Ship Carrying LPG Poses Explosion Risk in Gulf of Aden Near Yemen

Houthi rebels have been conducting attacks on vessels traversing the Red Sea corridor. (Representative)

Dubai:

A vessel flying the Cameroonian flag caught fire Saturday in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, potentially after being struck by a projectile, according to officials. At least one crew member is missing and another is believed to still be aboard the burning tanker after the remainder of the crew evacuated the vessel.

Officials from the UK and European Union provided conflicting assessments regarding the cause of the blaze on the Falcon, with British authorities suggesting a projectile impact, while the EU indicated it appeared to be "an accident." Both warned nearby vessels that the ship could explode as it was "fully loaded" with liquefied petroleum gas.

This event occurs amid ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting ships passing through the Red Sea corridor. However, the rebels have not immediately claimed responsibility for this incident, though they sometimes take hours or even days to make such announcements.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center, operated by the British military, issued an alert about the Falcon, stating that the incident occurred approximately 210 kilometers east of Aden.

"A vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire," reported the UKMTO. "Authorities are investigating."

The EU's Operation Aspides, which patrols the region, reported that the Falcon's 26-person crew consisted of 25 Indians and one Ukrainian. The Greek frigate HS Spetsai was positioned near the Falcon, and French forces dispatched an aircraft to survey the scene, according to the EU operation.

"Initial indications suggest that 15% of the ship is on fire and the fire was caused by an accident," stated the EU naval force, without providing further details.

The Falcon had previously been identified by United Against Nuclear Iran, a New York-based advocacy group, as allegedly operating within an Iranian "ghost fleet" of vessels transferring oil products on the high seas despite international sanctions. The ship's owners and operators, listed as being based in India, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Israeli military officials acknowledged awareness of the strike on the vessel but stated they did not conduct any operations in the area.

The Houthis have gained significant international attention during the Israel-Hamas war for their attacks on shipping and Israel, which they claimed were intended to pressure Israel to cease hostilities. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, no attacks have been attributed to the rebel group.

The Houthi maritime campaign has resulted in at least nine mariner fatalities and the sinking of four ships. It has disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, a route through which approximately $1 trillion in goods passed annually before the conflict. The rebels' most recent attack targeted the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht on September 29, resulting in one crew member's death and injuries to another.

Additionally, the Houthis have increased threats against Saudi Arabia and detained dozens of workers from UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations, baselessly accusing them of espionage – allegations strongly denied by the United Nations and other entities.