23 Indian crew rescued after explosion on LPG tanker off Yemen coast

23 Indian crew members rescued from LPG tanker after explosion off Yemen coast

A total of 23 Indian crew members have been rescued after a fire broke out aboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon following an explosion off the coast of Aden, Yemen. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, ruling out speculation that the blast was caused by a Houthi attack.

The explosion occurred on Saturday, October 18, at around 07:00 UTC, when the vessel was sailing approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, en route from Oman's Sohar Port to Djibouti. The blast caused the ship to go adrift, with around 15 percent of the vessel engulfed in flames.

Initial reports suggest the explosion was accidental, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

According to British security firm Ambrey, radio communication indicated that the crew was preparing to abandon the vessel as a search-and-rescue operation was initiated.

Following the incident, the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides launched an immediate rescue mission. Of the 24 crew members who abandoned the ship, 23, all Indian nationals, were safely rescued. Two crew members remain missing, while one was still onboard MV Falcon at the time of the last update.

Due to the tanker being fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, Aspides advised nearby vessels to keep a safe distance amid fears of further explosions.

“The fire on board is increasing,” Aspides said in a statement. “MV Falcon represents a navigational hazard. Everyone in the area must exercise caution.”

A private company has since taken over salvage operations for the damaged vessel.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue to target commercial ships in the Red Sea corridor, claiming solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In a rare response, the Houthis stated they were not involved in the MV Falcon explosion.

The EU Naval Force’s Aspides mission is responsible for protecting civilian ships and crews navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.