LPG Tanker MV Falcon on Fire in Gulf of Aden — 26 Crew, 24 Rescued, 1 Missing

Published: October 18, 2025 | Source: Compiled by One Ocean Academy

LPG tanker MV Falcon on fire in the Gulf of Aden — Image Credit: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES / French Forces

A Cameroon-flagged LPG carrier, MV Falcon, issued a distress call on the morning of October 18, 2025, while transiting through the Gulf of Aden, around 130 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The ship suffered an explosion followed by a severe fire, prompting a full-scale search and rescue operation coordinated by EUNAVFOR Aspides with support from a Greek frigate and French air assets.

Route map of MV Falcon near Gulf of Aden — Map Credit: UKMTO/ MarineTraffic

Vessel Details

MV Falcon LPG carrier before the Gulf of Aden incident — Original vessel image – MV Falcon (Image Credit: VesselFinder)

Name: MV Falcon
Type: LPG Carrier
Flag: Cameroon
DWT: 30,761 tons
Built: 1994
Owner: Reportedly Indian company
Last Port: Oman (source: vesselfinder)
Next Port (intended): Djibouti (source: vesselfinder)

The Incident

According to EUNAVFOR Aspides, about 15 percent of the vessel is involved in fire. The tanker has been abandoned and is drifting.
While Aspides referred to it as an accident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the company’s security officer reported that the ship may have been hit by a projectile.

Fire damage on LPG tanker MV Falcon — Image Credit: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES / French Forces – Ministère des Armées via X (formerly Twitter)

Rescue Operation

The Greek frigate HS Spetsai and a French air unit responded swiftly to the distress signal.
Out of 26 crew members (25 Indians and 1 Ukrainian), 24 have been rescued by nearby merchant vessels Meda and AK Carl, who are now transporting them to Djibouti.
One crewmember is reportedly still aboard the burning ship, and one is missing.

Past Inspection & Safety Record

MV Falcon has a troubled inspection history. In January 2025, Turkish port state control reported 13 deficiencies including hull damage and corroded ventilation pipes.
In August 2023, Indian authorities cited 17 deficiencies related to cargo handling, corrosion, and crew safety.

Political Context & Houthi Denial

Because of the vessel’s position in the Gulf of Aden, speculation arose that Houthi militants could be responsible.
However, Ambrey reported the ship has no known Israeli link, and the Houthis have officially denied any involvement, stating they are mourning one of their senior commanders recently killed in a separate conflict.

Current Situation

The ship remains adrift in the Gulf of Aden. EUNAVFOR Aspides continues to coordinate rescue and monitoring operations while warning all vessels in the area to stay alert.