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Gulf of Aden - October 19, 2025 - Third Update LPG Tanker MV FALCON remains on fire and adrift. All passing vessels in the vicinity are required to proceed with caution. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, under the coordination of Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, Force Commander of ASPIDES, has successfully coordinated a SAR (Search and Rescue) operation. MV MEDA successfully rescued 24 crewmembers of MV FALCON (1 Ukrainian and 23 Indians). The Hellenic Frigate HS SPETSAI escorted the vessel to the Port of Djibouti, where the rescued seafarers were safely handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. A private company has assumed the salvage operation of MV FALCON. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is a purely defensive operation that protects civilian ships and crews navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, ensuring the safe and secure flow of trade vital to millions of people in the region and beyond. The operation focuses on maritime safety and the protection of lives at sea. 
Copyright © European Union, 2025 
Copyright © European Union, 2025 
Copyright © European Union, 2025 
Copyright © European Union, 2025
Gulf of Aden, October 18, 2025 - Second Update LPG Tanker MV FALCON remains on fire and adrift. The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing. MV MEDA, with 24 crewmembers (1 Ukrainian and 23 Indians) rescued, is heading towards the port of Djibouti, escorted by the Hellenic Frigate HS SPETSAI. Two crew members (Indians) of MV FALCON are still reported missing. Further updates will be provided by ASPIDES as soon as they are available. Gulf of Aden, October 18, 2025. Fire onboard LPG Tanker MV FALCON - SAR Operations Underway Gulf of Aden, October 18, 2025. MV MEDA, with 24 crewmembers rescued, started heading towards the port of Djibouti. Two crew members of MV FALCON are reported missing. The fire onboard is increasing. MV FALCON represents a navigational hazard. Everyone in the area must exercise caution and refrain from any actions that could deteriorate the current situation. Further updates will be provided by ASPIDES as soon as they are available. Gulf of Aden, October 18, 2025. Fire onboard LPG Tanker MV FALCON - SAR Operations Underway Gulf of Aden, October 18, 2025. On October 18th at 07:00 UTC, the Cameroon-flagged MV FALCON, which was sailing 113 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, Yemen, with destination Djibouti, was on fire and adrift after an explosion onboard. The cause of the blast is unclear at the moment. Initial indications suggest that 15% of the ship is on fire, and the fire was caused by an accident. Upon receipt of an urgent distress request from the vessel's master, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, under the coordination of Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, Force Commander of ASPIDES, initiated an immediate response (SAR operation) to save all 26 crew members (1 Ukrainian, 25 Indians). The Hellenic Frigate HS SPETSAI is tasked to close distance at the scene of action and employ the air asset under her control. Additionally, 1 French air asset is provided by the Command of French Forces in the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN). Currently, 24 of the crew members have abandoned the vessel and been rescued by passing vessels MV MEDA and AK CARL; one is onboard MV FALCON, and one person is reported missing. The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing. ASPIDES has informed all competent Authorities. Vessels in the area have to maintain a safe distance due to the risk of explosion since the subject tanker is fully loaded with LPG. The situation is continuously monitored, and all resources are committed to ensuring maximum safety for everyone involved. Further updates will be provided by ASPIDES as soon as they are available. ASPIDES remains committed to protecting lives at sea and supporting the free flow of trade that underpins the region's prosperity. © European Union, 2025 EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES - press release 
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