The explosion left about 15% of the tanker on fire and caused it to drift. Early reports suggest the blast was accidental, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The tanker was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), raising concerns about further explosions.
Radio communications indicated the crew was preparing to abandon ship. A total of 24 crew members initially left the vessel. Of these, 23 Indians were rescued safely, while one crew member remained onboard and two others are still missing.
Here are more pictures of the rescue operation:@omar_hadi pic.twitter.com/gxEDo7FenZ
— Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (@dpfza) October 19, 2025
The rescue was coordinated by the passing gas carrier MV Meda and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).
The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, responsible for protecting civilian ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, launched a search and rescue operation immediately after the incident.
It has advised nearby vessels to maintain a safe distance from the tanker, calling it a “navigational hazard” due to the ongoing fire. A private company has taken charge of the salvage operation.
The incident comes amid continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claim solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have denied involvement in this explosion.
(With input from agencies)
(Edited by : Vivek Dubey)
