Indian Navy’s swift response in the Gulf of Aden saves lives and averts further disaster after explosion aboard LPG carrier…reports Asian Lite News
An Indian Navy warship, INS Trikand, carried out a dramatic rescue and firefighting mission in the Gulf of Aden after a massive fire broke out aboard the Cameroon-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier MV Falcon, leaving two crew members dead and the vessel badly damaged.
According to the Indian Navy, the incident occurred on October 18 when MV Falcon, sailing from Sohar Port in Oman to Djibouti, suffered a sudden explosion around 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The blast set off an intense fire that engulfed roughly 15 per cent of the ship and forced the crew to abandon the vessel as it drifted, burning, in open waters.
A distress call from the tanker triggered a swift multinational response, with merchant vessels in the vicinity rushing to the scene while the Indian Navy deployed INS Trikand, one of its frontline frigates operating in the region as part of ongoing maritime security patrols. The Indian ship coordinated closely with a civilian tug hired by the shipping company and the European Union’s Operation Aspides, which had already launched a search and rescue effort.
Twenty-four of the 26 crew members on board — including 25 Indians and one British national — managed to escape the inferno before INS Trikand reached the area. They were picked up by nearby merchant vessels and later transferred to safety. However, two crew members remained unaccounted for, prompting a complex recovery operation amid perilous conditions.
A specialised team of firefighters and medical personnel from INS Trikand boarded the stricken vessel once the main blaze had been subdued. The Indian Navy said its team faced intense heat, toxic fumes, and structural damage as they searched the charred decks of the MV Falcon. The bodies of the two missing seafarers were recovered during the operation and later handed over to the Indian Embassy in Djibouti for formal identification and repatriation.
The Indian Navy described the operation as one of exceptional bravery, highlighting the crew’s rapid response and professionalism in preventing a far greater disaster. The MV Falcon had been carrying LPG — a volatile cargo that posed an extreme risk of secondary explosions. Authorities said the situation was further complicated by the tanker’s drifting position and damage to its hull.
Maritime security firm Ambrey, based in the United Kingdom, reported that initial assessments suggested the explosion was accidental, though investigations were ongoing. Radio transmissions from the vessel indicated the crew made repeated attempts to contain the fire before being overwhelmed by spreading flames and thick smoke.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, Operation Aspides — the European Union’s naval mission tasked with protecting commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — issued warnings to all vessels in the area, advising them to maintain a safe distance from the drifting tanker due to the danger posed by its flammable cargo and ongoing fires.
The rescue operation came amid a tense backdrop of escalating maritime threats in the region. Over the past year, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have seen a surge in attacks on commercial vessels, many claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in what they describe as retaliation for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Although there was no evidence linking the MV Falcon incident to any hostile action, the explosion initially raised alarm given the volatile security climate.
Indian naval assets, including INS Trikand, have maintained a near-continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, as part of India’s long-running anti-piracy and maritime security commitments. The deployment allows rapid response to distress calls in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important shipping corridors, through which nearly 30 per cent of global trade passes.
The Navy said INS Trikand’s crew demonstrated high levels of coordination with international partners during the operation, underscoring India’s role as a “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean Region. In recent years, Indian warships have responded to multiple incidents involving hijackings, piracy attempts, and fires on merchant vessels in the region.
The MV Falcon incident is the latest reminder of the hazards faced by commercial seafarers navigating these waters. LPG carriers, though generally safe when properly maintained, can pose catastrophic risks if leaks or technical malfunctions lead to ignition. Maritime analysts said the explosion could have stemmed from equipment failure or accidental gas release, though only a detailed investigation by flag-state authorities would confirm the cause.
While the recovery and handover of the deceased crew marked the conclusion of INS Trikand’s immediate mission, naval officials said efforts were ongoing to stabilise the stricken vessel and assess environmental risks from potential fuel leakage. The tanker remained under tow near Djibouti under close watch by maritime safety agencies.
The Indian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding seafarers and commercial shipping in international waters, particularly along high-risk maritime routes. The Navy’s spokesperson said the successful completion of the MV Falcon mission demonstrated the professionalism, compassion, and courage of its personnel in responding to emergencies far from home shores.
As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, maritime safety experts have renewed calls for enhanced crew training and stricter safety checks aboard gas carriers operating in the region. The incident has also reinforced the importance of coordinated international naval presence in ensuring the security of vital sea lanes linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
