The Indian Navy successfully rescued 14 Indian crew members from a Palau-flagged oil tanker, MT Yi Cheng 6, after a major fire broke out in its engine room. According to the Ministry of Defence, when the distress call was received, the tanker was near Fujairah, UAE in the North Arabian Sea.
Responding to a distress call, received early Sunday morning, Indian Naval ship INS Tabar, which was on a mission-based deployment, rushed to the site located approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah.
Upon arrival, the crew of INS Tabar immediately established contact with the vessel’s master and began firefighting operations. Seven crew members were promptly evacuated to safety, while the remaining crew stayed onboard to assist in containing the blaze. No injuries were reported.
A six-member Indian Navy firefighting and damage control team, equipped with specialized gear, was deployed to combat the fire. Their efforts were later bolstered by 13 more Navy personnel. Together with the ship’s crew, they managed to bring the fire under control and confine it to the engine room.
The Navy continues to monitor the situation, with INS Tabar remaining on station to provide further assistance if required.
This successful operation underscores the Indian Navy’s rapid response capabilities and its continued commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts in the Indian Ocean Region.