LPG Tanker Falcon Ablaze Off Aden: Two Crew Missing

Date of Incident: October 18, 2025
Location: Gulf of Aden, 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen
Vessel: MV Falcon (Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker)
Casualties: 2 crew members missing, 24 rescued

Explosion and Fire Rock LPG Tanker MV Falcon

A major maritime emergency unfolded in the Gulf of Aden when the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon suffered a massive explosion while en route from Sohar Port, Oman to Djibouti. The blast occurred at approximately 07:00 UTC on October 18, causing the vessel to go adrift with 15% of its structure engulfed in flames.

The tanker was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), raising fears of a catastrophic secondary explosion. The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides immediately launched a search-and-rescue (SAR) mission, coordinating with nearby merchant vessels and naval assets.

MV Falcon – Vessel Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 170 meters
• Beam (Width): 27 meters
• Summer Draft: 11.35 meters
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): 30,761 tonnes
• Gross Tonnage (GT): 22,521
• Year Built: 1994
• Flag: Cameroon
• IMO Number: 9014432
• MMSI: 613467061
• Call Sign: TJM0061
• Vessel Type: LPG / MGC (Fully Refrigerated Gas Carrier)

Crew Evacuation and Rescue Efforts

Of the 26 crew members onboard:

• 23 Indian nationals and 1 Ukrainian were successfully rescued by passing vessels MV Meda and AK Carl.
• 2 crew members remain missing, while 1 was still onboard at the time of the last update. [maritimeoptima.com]

The rescued crew was safely transferred to Djibouti, escorted by the Hellenic Frigate HS Spetsai. French air assets also supported the SAR operation. [worldports.org]

Cause of Explosion: Accident or Attack?

Initial reports suggested the explosion may have been caused by an unknown projectile, prompting speculation of a Houthi attack. However:

• The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) later revised its alert, stating the cause could be an onboard accident.
• The Houthi rebels issued a rare statement denying involvement, citing a mourning period for a senior commander.

Security firm Ambrey and EU naval sources now lean toward an accidental cause, possibly linked to the vessel’s cargo or structural deficiencies.

Vessel History Raises Safety Concerns

The MV Falcon, built in 1994, has a troubled inspection record:

• 13 deficiencies were flagged during a January 2025 inspection in Turkey, including a hole in the hull and corroded ventilation pipes.
• 17 violations were previously cited by Indian authorities in August 2023, related to cargo safety, corrosion, and crew welfare. [maritimeoptima.com]

The vessel is suspected to be part of an Iranian shadow fleet, possibly operating under a false flag and transporting sanctioned LPG cargo.

Navigational Hazard and Salvage Operations

The MV Falcon remains adrift and ablaze, posing a serious navigational hazard in the Gulf of Aden. The EU Naval Force Aspides has issued warnings to all vessels in the area to maintain a safe distance due to the risk of further explosions. [oilprice.com]

A private salvage company has taken over operations to stabilize and recover the vessel. Firefighting teams are working to cool the tanker and prevent detonation of its pressurized LPG cargo.

Regional Security Implications

The incident has reignited concerns over maritime safety in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, a critical corridor for global energy shipments. Since 2023, Houthi rebels have launched over 200 attacks on commercial vessels, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. [timesofisrael.com]

Although the Houthis deny involvement in the MV Falcon explosion, the region remains volatile, and insurance premiums for tankers transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are expected to rise.