Falcon Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On October 22, 2023, the Indian Navy's INS 'Trikand' demonstrated remarkable bravery and coordination in response to a distress call from the 'Falcon', a tanker engulfed in flames off the coast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, roughly 116 nautical miles east of Aden. Accompanied by a salvage tug engaged by the shipping company, the 'Trikand' expertly managed firefighting operations, ultimately gaining control over the raging fire. A dedicated team comprising firefighters and medical personnel from the warship boarded the 'Falcon', navigating through extreme heat, structural damage, and hazardous fumes to recover the remains of two crew members who were missing after the incident. These remains have been respectfully transferred to the Embassy of India in Djibouti. Initially, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that the 'Falcon' had been struck by an unidentified projectile. However, they later clarified that they could not confirm the nature of the explosion and were considering the possibility of an onboard accident. The alert status has now shifted to an advisory, and investigations are continuing. Further details reveal that EUNAVFOR ASPIDES was instrumental in coordinating the initial search and rescue operation, successfully rescuing 24 crew members with the assistance of the passing gas carrier, 'Meda'. The Greek frigate HS 'Spetsai' provided escort to the 'Meda' as it transported the rescued seafarers to Djibouti, where they were handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Maritime security experts are scrutinizing the operations surrounding the 'Falcon'. Analysis from EOS Risk Group suggested potential illicit maritime activities tied to Iran, citing that the ship, laden with Iranian LPG from Assaluyeh, was likely en route to Ras Isa, Yemen, potentially for Houthi supply. This Indian-owned, Cameroon-flagged tanker had previously faced challenges, having been detained in Istanbul in January 2025 due to 13 deficiencies and lacking a known insurer. For more information and visual reports, visit the original articles on gCaptain and the Indian Navy's official Twitter page.

On the morning of October 18, 2025, the tanker 'Falcon' issued a distress signal while navigating the waters approximately 130 miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, following a confusing explosion that ignited a fire on board. In response to the incident, EUNAVFOR Aspides took the initiative to coordinate a search and rescue (SAR) operation. At the time of the distress call, around 15% of the vessel was engulfed in flames, prompting all 26 crew members, which included a Ukrainian captain and 25 Indian nationals, to abandon ship as it drifted aimlessly. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information from the shipping company’s security officer indicating that the 'Falcon' might have been struck by a projectile. However, this claim remains unverified regarding the source of the explosion. To assist in the SAR efforts, the Greek frigate HS 'Spetsai' was dispatched, accompanied by aerial support from a French air asset operating under France’s Indian Ocean command. During the operation, two passing vessels—the 'Meda' and 'AK Carl'—successfully rescued 24 crew members. Notably, the 'Meda' has been suggested to be a shadow fleet LPG tanker operating under a suspected false flag, possibly linked to Iranian interests. Compounding the situation, reports identified the vessel as 'Aira' (IMO: 8818219). While the rescued crew made their way to Djibouti, two crew members remained unaccounted for. AIS data indicated that the 'Falcon' was en route from Khor Al Zubair to Djibouti at the time of the incident and has a history of transporting Iranian products. As of October 20, the fire aboard the tanker persisted, escalating the risk of further explosions due to its full load of LPG. EUNAVFOR Aspides advised all authorities to maintain a safe distance from the distressed vessel, instructing nearby ships to navigate with caution. A private salvage company has now taken over recovery efforts for the 'Falcon', which has faced scrutiny for its troubled inspection history, carrying 13 deficiencies during a port state control inspection in Turkey in January 2025, leading to its detention due to issues such as a hole in the hull and corroded ventilation pipes. Prior inspections by Indian authorities in August 2023 highlighted 17 deficiencies related to safety, cargo handling, and corrosion. Concerns were raised regarding the possible involvement of Houthi militants, given the vessel's precarious position in the Gulf of Aden. However, Ambrey reported no known ties between the 'Falcon' and Israel, and the Houthis have denied any connection to the explosion. The 'Falcon', identified as part of an LPG shadow fleet, has a documented history of AIS manipulation in regions such as the Middle East Gulf and the Baltic Sea.

On October 20, a firefighting tugboat was deployed alongside the 'Falcon', which continued to burn and drift in the Gulf of Aden, two days after a devastating explosion occurred. Initially, one company had accepted responsibility for the salvage operation but later withdrew due to potential risks associated with sanctions. Another salvage company subsequently took over the efforts. The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, but early assessments from the European Union's Aspides naval mission pointed towards a cargo-related incident. The 'Falcon', which was suspected to be carrying LPG and had been loaded at Assaluyeh in late September while manipulating its AIS data, was en route to Djibouti when the explosion and subsequent fire transpired. Notably, the vessel ceased broadcasting AIS signals on October 18 at 06:46 a.m. Tragically, the two missing crew members, both of Indian nationality, were located and recovered deceased on October 20. Recovery operations for the stricken tanker are ongoing. The Aspides mission has issued a warning for vessels in the vicinity to maintain extreme caution, as the abandoned tanker, still fully loaded, poses significant navigation hazards.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for $7.8 million. The identity of the buyers remains undisclosed, leaving industry experts speculating about the potential implications of this sale in the shipping market. Details surrounding the vessel, such as its specifications and previous ownership, are yet to be revealed. Industry observers are keeping a close watch on this development as it unfolds.

EXMAR LPG, a strategic collaboration between EXMAR and Teekay LNG Partners, has officially announced the sale of two vessels: the Very Large Gas Carrier FLANDERS HARMONY (85,826 m³, built in 1993) and the Midsize Gas Carrier TEMSE (35,754 m³, built in 1994). According to a company press release, TEMSE is slated for delivery to its new Indonesian owners by the end of the first quarter of 2014, while FLANDERS HARMONY is expected to change hands during the second quarter of the same year. This significant transaction is projected to yield a capital gain of approximately USD 10.4 million for EXMAR’s 50% stake in EXMAR LPG, alongside net cash proceeds of around USD 30.0 million for the company. The gradual divestment of older vessels aligns with EXMAR's upcoming deliveries of more efficient Midsize newbuilds. These new additions are anticipated to enhance the company’s capacity to deliver a competitive and quality fleet, marked by innovative ship designs. Moreover, EXMAR LPG has increased its stake from 33% to 50% in the time-chartered vessels BW TOKYO (83,300 m³, built in 2009) and BW KYOTO (83,300 m³, built in 2010). As part of this agreement, EXMAR will begin commercial operations of BW TOKYO at the end of March 2014.

In a significant maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold to a buyer from Indonesia for a total of $26 million. This deal marks a notable event in the shipping industry, reflecting the ongoing demand for vessels in the Southeast Asian market. The specifics of the vessel, including its specifications and intended use by the new owner, remain to be detailed, but this sale further emphasizes the dynamic nature of maritime commerce in the region.