Fire on ship in Arabian sea; Indian Navy rescues 14 crew members

The Indian Navy successfully contained a major fire onboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the North Arabian Sea, ensuring the safety of all 14 Indian crew members. The high-risk firefighting and rescue operation was launched by the Navy after receiving a Mayday distress call from the vessel on Sunday, June 29. The tanker had reported a significant fire in its engine room while operating approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Indian Navy deployed its warship INS Tabar to the scene at maximum speed. Upon arrival, INS Tabar established communication with the vessel's Master and immediately commenced firefighting operations. Prioritizing the safety of the crew, seven members were promptly evacuated to INS Tabar using the ship's boats. All evacuated personnel were reported uninjured and received medical examination by Tabar's medical team. The remaining crew, including the Master, stayed on board to assist with the fire containment efforts.

A six-member firefighting and damage control team from INS Tabar was deployed to tackle the blaze. Their initial efforts, combined with those of the ship's crew, significantly reduced the fire's intensity, successfully restricting smoke to the engine room. The firefighting operation was further reinforced with an additional 13 Indian Navy personnel (five officers and eight sailors). Through sustained efforts, the Indian Navy's firefighting team, alongside the vessel's crew, successfully brought the fire under control. INS Tabar remains in the vicinity of the vessel for continued support and ongoing temperature checks.

This valiant effort by the Indian Naval personnel not only ensured the safety of the ship and its entire Indian crew but also highlighted the Indian Navy's rapid response capability, operational preparedness, and humanitarian approach to maritime safety. The incident reaffirms India's crucial role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.