Working Conditions Aboard the Aira

On the morning of October 18, 2015, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the waters near Yemen when the LPG tanker Falcon (IMO: 9014432) emitted a distress call while sailing approximately 130 miles southeast of Aden. The vessel experienced a fire following an unexplained explosion, prompting an urgent response from the maritime community. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides orchestrated the search and rescue (SAR) operation in collaboration with several naval assets. Initially, the Falcon was manned by 26 crew members, comprised of one Ukrainian and 25 Indian nationals, who abandoned ship as the situation escalated. Greek frigate HS Spetsai joined the rescue efforts, deploying an aerial unit alongside a French air asset from France's Indian Ocean command to assist in the SAR mission. Additionally, the shadow tanker Meda diverted its course to aid the distressed crew, successfully retrieving one Ukrainian and 23 Indian sailors from the troubling scene. The frigate Spetsai provided an escort to the Meda as they proceeded to Djibouti, where the rescued crew was safely handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Interestingly, the Meda, identified as part of a possible shadow fleet operating for Iranian interests under a potential false flag, had its identity also linked to another vessel, Aira (IMO: 8818219). By October 20, the Meda remained anchored at position 11° 41' N 043° 09' E in Djibouti, having completed its critical mission to save lives at sea. For more details and updates, you can follow the report with additional images available at EUNAVFOR Aspides' official page.