Overview
- EU Operation Aspides said the MV Falcon reported an explosion and that about 15% of the vessel was burning, with the cause still under investigation after initial indications of an accident.
- The UK maritime watchdog UKMTO earlier reported the ship was hit by an unknown projectile, underscoring the dispute over what ignited the fire.
- Rescuers recovered 24 of the 26 seafarers, one sailor remains missing and another is still aboard, and nearby merchant ships assisted under EU coordination.
- The tanker, fully loaded with liquefied gas and sailing from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti, was left adrift roughly 210 kilometers east of Aden as authorities warned vessels to keep clear due to explosion risk.
- No Houthi claim has been made, maritime sources reported no missiles or drones detected, and a Greek frigate and a French aircraft were deployed as inquiries continue.