Tanker Explosion Near Yemen Raises Alarms for Red Sea Shipping

A significant incident unfolded over the weekend involving the LPG tanker FALCON, approximately 116 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen. The vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile, resulting in a fire on board. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the explosion, which has since incited renewed security concerns for maritime operations in the Red Sea.

Following the initial incident, UKMTO issued two updates indicating that they were still unable to confirm the source of the explosion and could not rule out the possibility of an onboard accident. The situation has been reclassified as an advisory, and investigations are currently underway. The Cameroon-flagged vessel was carrying 26 crew members, comprising 1 Ukrainian and 25 Indian nationals, and was en route to Djibouti at the time of the explosion.

Emergency response efforts led by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES successfully coordinated a search and rescue operation. A passing gas carrier, MEDA, rescued 24 crew members, while the Hellenic Frigate HS SPETSAI escorted MEDA to the Port of Djibouti. The rescued seafarers were subsequently handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Unfortunately, two Indian crew members remain unaccounted for, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

The FALCON remains on fire and adrift, prompting authorities to advise vessels in the surrounding area to maintain a safe distance due to the risk of further explosions, as the tanker was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas. A private salvage company has taken charge of operations to secure the vessel.

Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, provided insights into the implications of the incident. He noted that analysis of the vessel suggests it is part of what the United Against Nuclear Iran organization identifies as the “Ghost Armada,” which involves illicit maritime trade with Iran. Kelly stated, “FALCON is probably carrying Iranian cargo.”

Reports from TankerTrackers indicate that the vessel was laden with Iranian LPG from Assaluyeh, having loaded there on September 25, 2025. It was likely en route to Ras Isa, Yemen, to supply Houthi forces. The organization also highlighted that the Indian-owned, Cameroon-flagged tanker is 31 years old and had been detained in January 2025 in Istanbul for multiple deficiencies, with no known insurer.

If confirmed as a Houthi attack, this incident would mark the first such event since the Minervagracht was struck in the Gulf of Aden on September 29. It would also represent the first Houthi attack following the recent U.S.-brokered agreement concerning the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas. Since November 2023, Iranian-backed Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.

On Sunday, Kelly remarked on recent developments that could signal renewed threats to shipping in the region. He noted several violations of key conditions of the Gaza ceasefire, including Hamas attacks on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s intensified airstrikes across Gaza. He expressed concern that it may not be long until the Houthis resume attacks against shipping, particularly targeting Israel.

Maritime operators are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO as investigations into this alarming incident continue.