A Cameroon-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, the MV Falcon, caught fire in the Gulf of Aden on October 18, 2025, after being struck by an unknown projectile.

The blast forced the 26-member crew to abandon ship as flames consumed a large section of the vessel, which remains adrift southeast of Aden.

Incident Overview

The MV Falcon (IMO: 9014432), owned by an Indian company, had departed Assaluyeh, Iran, carrying a full cargo of Iranian LPG reportedly bound for a Houthi-controlled port in Yemen.

Maritime alerts from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the explosion occurred around 07:00 UTC, about 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden.

UKMTO described the incident as an “external strike”, though the source remains unknown.

No group has claimed responsibility, and speculation ranges from a missile or drone attack to sabotage.

The event adds to escalating maritime tensions in the region, where Houthi attacks have repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in solidarity with Gaza.

Crew and Rescue Efforts

The tanker carried 26 crew members, including 23 Indians and one Ukrainian. According to maritime security updates:

• 24 sailors have been rescued by nearby vessels, including the M/T MEDA, and are being escorted to Djibouti by a Greek frigate from the EU’s Operation Aspides.
• Two crew members remain unaccounted for, one possibly trapped aboard the burning ship.
• The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) has coordinated search-and-rescue (SAR) efforts, with aerial and surface assets monitoring the site.

Authorities report the fire is partially contained, with about 15% of the hull damaged. No confirmed oil or gas spill has been reported, but nearby vessels have been advised to keep clear due to explosion risks.