Djibouti has successfully led a high-stakes maritime rescue operation following a catastrophic explosion aboard the MV Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker en route from Sohar Port in Oman to Djibouti. The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The explosion, which ignited a fire affecting nearly 15 percent of the vessel, forced the crew to abandon ship as it drifted uncontrollably in the Gulf of Aden. While the exact cause remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest the blast may have been accidental, though some sources have speculated about the possibility of an external projectile.
The MV Falcon was carrying 26 crew members, including 25 Indian nationals and one Ukrainian. In response to the emergency, the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) coordinated with the passing gas carrier MV Meda to execute a swift and effective rescue. MV Meda successfully retrieved 24 crew members from the distressed vessel, demonstrating commendable maritime coordination and crisis response. Two crew members remain unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing, with hopes of locating them safely.
International support played a crucial role in the operation, with the European Union Naval Force’s Operation Aspides contributing to the search-and-rescue mission. Radio communications from the MV Falcon indicated the crew’s readiness to abandon ship, which enabled timely intervention and minimized further casualties. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of fuel-laden vessels navigating volatile waters near the Gulf of Aden, a region historically vulnerable to maritime threats and instability.
Djibouti’s rapid and coordinated response underscores its strategic importance in regional maritime security and emergency preparedness. The successful rescue not only saved lives but also highlighted the critical need for robust safety protocols and international collaboration in managing high-risk incidents at sea. As investigations continue, maritime authorities are expected to review operational standards and enhance monitoring systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.