Fiery Blaze on Gas-Laden Ship off Yemen Coast: One Mariner Missing as Vessel Abandoned

A Cameroonian-flagged ship, the Falcon, caught fire in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen. Officials suspect it might have been hit by a projectile. Currently, one mariner is missing, and another may still be aboard the burning tanker. The remaining crew evacuated just in time.

There are differing views on how the fire started. British officials suggest it was struck by a projectile, while the EU believes it may have been an accident. They have warned nearby ships about the vessel, which is loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, raising concerns that it could explode.

This incident coincides with ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea. Surprisingly, the rebels have not claimed responsibility yet. It’s worth noting that it often takes them some time to make such announcements.

In response, the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations center alerted others that a fire had broken out about 130 miles east of Aden. They are currently investigating the situation.

The Falcon had a crew of 26, primarily Indian, with one Ukrainian member. Nearby, a Greek frigate and a French aircraft were dispatched to monitor the situation. Experts from EU naval forces indicated that 15% of the ship was on fire but did not give further details.

The Falcon has previously been linked to an Iranian “ghost fleet” involved in transporting oil despite international sanctions. Attempts to reach the ship’s operators in India were unsuccessful.

Interestingly, the Israeli military acknowledged awareness of the incident, though they stated they did not carry out any attacks in the area.

The Houthis have become more prominent in recent conflicts, especially during the Israel-Hamas war, claiming their shipping attacks aim to influence Israel’s actions. Since a ceasefire began on October 10, they haven’t claimed any new assaults.

Shipping in the Red Sea has been severely affected by Houthi actions, with at least nine sailors reported dead and four ships sunk. Before the war, goods worth about $1 trillion passed through this crucial area. The rebels’ last known attack targeted the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht on September 29, resulting in one death and another injury.

In a broader context, the Houthis have posed threats to Saudi Arabia and taken workers from UN agencies captive, accusing them of espionage without any proof—a claim strongly denied by the UN and other entities.

In summary, the Falcon incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region and how maritime safety remains a significant concern against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts.



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Houthi Movement, Houthi rebels, Houthi, Yemen