Authorities are continuing to investigate the explosion that occurred on October 18 aboard the LPG tanker Falcon off the coast of Yemen. Both maritime officials and the Houthi group have dismissed early media speculation that the incident was the result of an attack.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an initial report from a company security officer suggested the vessel might have been struck by an unknown projectile. However, UKMTO later stated that it was unable to verify the report and that an onboard accident could not be ruled out. The agency has since downgraded the situation to an advisory while maintaining an open investigation.
The EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides mission, which coordinated the search and rescue operation, has also referred to the event as an accident and confirmed that further details would be released once verified information becomes available.
Inspection records show that the Falcon had faced multiple port state control deficiencies in recent years. The vessel was detained in Turkey in January 2023 due to structural and safety issues, including a hull breach and corroded ventilation pipes. Later, in August 2023, Indian authorities reported 17 additional deficiencies related to safety, cargo handling, and corrosion.
Twenty-four crewmembers — one Ukrainian and twenty-three Indians — were rescued from the Falcon and transferred to another tanker identified as the MV Meda, according to Aspides. The group is being escorted to the Port of Djibouti by the Hellenic Navy frigate HS Spetsai. Two additional seafarers remain missing. The French Armed Forces participated in the search effort, providing an aircraft that captured images of the rescue and the damaged tanker.
Maritime data firm TankerTrackers.com reported that the Falcon is part of the so-called Iranian “shadow fleet” and was likely transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through the Gulf of Aden. The firm noted that the vessel did not have a publicly listed insurer, though it was not under active sanctions at the time of the incident.
The Houthi movement has publicly denied any involvement in the explosion. The group recently issued a summary of its maritime operations since the beginning of the regional conflict, claiming to have launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones targeting 228 ships.
As of the latest reports, the damaged Falcon remains adrift in the Gulf of Aden, and regional authorities have advised vessels to maintain a safe distance and remain alert while transiting the area.
