INS Trikand Responds to Fire on Vessel Off Djibouti
India’s naval frigate INS Trikand conducted a firefighting and rescue operation after the Cameroon-flagged carrier MT Falcon caught fire off the coast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred roughly 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, while the vessel was en route from Oman to Djibouti.
Crew Evacuated and Casualties
The MT Falcon carried 26 crew members—25 Indian nationals and one British national. Twenty-four were rescued by nearby merchant ships before INS Trikand arrived. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives and their bodies were later recovered by the Indian team aboard the warship and handed over to India’s Embassy in Djibouti.
Response by Indian Navy
INS Trikand, on deployment for maritime security operations, dispatched a specialised firefighting and medical team that boarded the blaze-stricken ship, facing intense heat and toxic fumes. The Navy coordinated with the shipping company’s tug and merchant vessels in the vicinity to bring the fire under control.
Strategic Significance
The operation underscores India’s increasing role in safeguarding commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea region. It highlights the Indian Navy’s readiness to provide critical assistance in high-risk maritime zones and its commitment to protecting nationals and international seafarers alike.
