The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations issued an alert early Saturday regarding the vessel MV FALCON, stating that it was “hit by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire” just over 130 miles east of Aden, a port city in Yemen.

In a subsequent update, the organization noted that it “cannot rule out an onboard accident” after failing to confirm the source of the explosion.

The EU’s Operation Aspides reported that the ship, which was sailing to Djibouti, “was on fire and adrift after an explosion onboard,” adding that “the fire was caused by an accident.” Later updates from the EU indicated that the fire, which initially affected 15% of the vessel, was continuing to spread.

“MV FALCON represents a navigational hazard. Everyone in the area must exercise caution and refrain from any actions that could deteriorate the current situation,” the EU warned. They also cautioned other vessels nearby that the ship could explode, as it was “fully loaded” with liquefied petroleum gas.

Search and rescue operations were launched for the crew, consisting of 25 Indians and one Ukrainian. According to the latest update from the EU, two crew members remain missing.

In related developments, a Houthi defense official denied any involvement in the explosion, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. Additionally, the Israeli military confirmed to the Associated Press that they did not conduct any operations in the area.

Meanwhile, Houthis reportedly raided a UN facility in Yemen’s capital; however, all staff were reported safe.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3856067/cameroonian-ship-caught-fire-abandoned-in-houthi-waters/