23 Indian Crew Members Rescued After LPG Tanker Explosion Near Yemen Coast

An explosion and subsequent fire aboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon off Yemen's coast resulted in the rescue of 23 Indian crew members.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, at 07:00 UTC when the vessel was approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden en route to Djibouti. Following the explosion, the ship lost power and drifted while approximately 15 percent of the vessel was engulfed in flames. Initial assessments suggest the explosion was accidental, though investigations into the exact cause remain ongoing.

British security firm Ambrey reported that MV Falcon had departed from Oman's Sohar Port bound for Djibouti when the explosion happened. Radio communications indicated the crew was preparing to abandon ship as rescue operations commenced.

The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides promptly initiated a search and rescue mission in response to the emergency. Reports confirm that 24 crew members initially abandoned the vessel, with 23 Indians successfully rescued. Two crew members remain unaccounted for, while one was reportedly still aboard the MV Falcon at the time of the last update.

Due to the tanker being fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, there was significant risk of further explosions. Aspides warned nearby vessels to maintain distance from the stricken carrier.

"The fire onboard is increasing," Aspides stated. "MV Falcon represents a navigational hazard. Everyone in the area must exercise caution."

A private company has since taken responsibility for salvage operations of the damaged vessel, according to the European Union's naval force.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels against commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea corridor, which the group claims is in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, as reported by Al Jazeera.

EU Naval Force's Operation Aspides serves as a defensive maritime initiative tasked with safeguarding civilian ships and crews traveling through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.