Tragic Incident: Abandoned Burning Ship Full of Gas in Gulf of Aden Leaves One Mariner Missing

A Cameroonian-flagged ship called the Falcon caught fire in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen on Saturday. Officials believe it might have been hit by a projectile. At least one crew member is missing, and another likely remains on board the burning vessel after the crew evacuated.

There are conflicting reports about the cause of the fire. While British officials suggest it was due to a projectile strike, the European Union (EU) refers to it as an accident. Both have warned nearby ships that the Falcon could explode, as it was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas.

The situation is tense, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been involved in attacks on ships in the Red Sea, although they have not claimed responsibility for this incident yet. The UKMTO, which monitors maritime security, reported that the ship caught fire about 130 miles east of Aden.

The Falcon had a crew of 26, primarily Indian, with one Ukrainian member. Nearby, a Greek frigate and a French aircraft were deployed to assist. The EU naval force indicated that about 15% of the ship was aflame and reiterated their belief that the fire was accidental.

Additionally, the Falcon has been associated with a network of vessels that allegedly transport Iranian oil despite sanctions. The ship’s operators in India haven’t commented on the burning.

Interestingly, the Houthis gained notoriety during the Israel-Hamas conflict due to their attacks on shipping routes. Since a ceasefire began on October 10, they haven’t claimed any new attacks. However, their campaign against maritime activities has already disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, a vital trade route valued at around $1 trillion annually.

The ongoing tensions have resulted in deaths, with at least nine mariners lost, and several ships sunk. Recently, the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht was attacked, resulting in casualties among its crew.

Amid these conflicts, the Houthis have also made unverified claims against U.N. workers, accusing them of espionage—a claim firmly denied by the U.N.

This incident raises significant concerns about maritime safety in the region, especially with the potential for further escalation. For more in-depth insights on maritime security, you can refer to the International Maritime Organization for current protocols and guidelines.

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