Rescue Mission Saves 23 Indians After LPG Tanker Blast Near Yemen, Two Missing

In a remarkable display of maritime bravery, 23 Indian crew members and one Ukrainian were rescued from the Cameroon-flagged MV Falcon, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker that became engulfed in flames following an explosion southeast of Aden, Yemen, on Saturday. The vessel, en route to Djibouti, issued a distress call, prompting an immediate response from EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, the European Union’s naval operation dedicated to protecting civilian ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Under the strategic command of Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, ASPIDES executed a meticulously coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. The MV Meda, a nearby vessel, swiftly navigated treacherous waters to reach the blazing tanker, where 24 of the 26 crew members were safely extracted from the perilous conditions. The rescued seafarers, including the 23 Indians, were escorted to Djibouti Port, where they were formally handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard for medical assessments and support. Authorities ensured the survivors received immediate care, with no serious injuries reported among those rescued.

Tragically, two crew members remain missing, and ASPIDES has deployed extensive resources, including patrol vessels and helicopters, to locate them. The operation continues amidst challenges posed by the still-burning MV Falcon, which carries a volatile LPG cargo, necessitating a strict maritime exclusion zone to prevent further risk. ASPIDES has notified all relevant authorities to maintain vigilance in the area.

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The successful rescue highlights the critical role of international maritime cooperation in safeguarding lives in one of the world’s most hazardous shipping regions. The 23 Indian seafarers, now safe in Djibouti, are being supported as they reconnect with their families. Investigations into the explosion’s cause are underway, but the focus remains on the ongoing search for the missing crew and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the region.

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