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
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.
Of the 26 crew members onboard:
The rescued crew was safely transferred to Djibouti, escorted by the Hellenic Frigate HS Spetsai. French air assets also supported the SAR operation. []
Initial reports suggested the explosion may have been caused by an unknown projectile, prompting speculation of a Houthi attack. However:
Security firm Ambrey and EU naval sources now lean toward an accidental cause, possibly linked to the vessel’s cargo or structural deficiencies.
The MV Falcon, built in 1994, has a troubled inspection record:
The vessel is suspected to be part of an Iranian shadow fleet, possibly operating under a false flag and transporting sanctioned LPG cargo.
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. []
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.
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. []
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.
