A Cameroon-flagged tanker, the Falcon, caught fire in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen on Saturday, with one mariner missing and another possibly still aboard.
The vessel, fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, was abandoned by most of its crew after the blaze, which may have been caused by a projectile strike.
The incident, occurring 210 kilometers east of Aden, has prompted warnings of a potential explosion, heightening concerns for maritime safety in the region.
Authorities are investigating the cause, with conflicting reports on whether the fire resulted from an attack or an accident.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Falcon was struck by an unknown projectile, leading to the fire.
The maritime security firm Ambrey noted the tanker issued a distress call 60 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Ahwar while traveling from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti.
Radio traffic indicated the crew’s intent to abandon ship, and a search-and-rescue operation is underway.
European Union officials suggested the fire might have been accidental, while the UKMTO emphasized the projectile strike as the likely cause.
The vessel’s cargo of liquefied petroleum gas poses a significant risk of explosion, prompting urgent advisories to nearby ships.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have targeted vessels since 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
No Houthi claim has been made for this incident. Ambrey reported the Falcon does not match the typical profile of Houthi-targeted ships, which are often linked to Israel or its allies.
The ongoing Gaza ceasefire, in place since October 10, has seen no recent Houthi-claimed attacks, though the region remains a critical route for global trade through the Suez Canal.
Investigations continue as maritime authorities prioritize crew safety and regional stability.