Indian Navy Rescues 14 Indian Crew Members After Fire Breaks Out on Tanker in Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy on June 29 successfully carried out a firefighting and rescue operation aboard Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the North Arabian Sea, saving all 14 Indian crew members and containing a major fire that broke out in the ship’s engine room.

The incident took place around 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, when the tanker issued a Mayday distress call in the early hours of the morning. INS Tabar, which was on a mission-based deployment in the region, responded swiftly and proceeded at maximum speed toward the distressed vessel.

Upon reaching the site, the naval team established communication with the vessel’s Master and began immediate firefighting operations. Seven crew members were safely evacuated to INS Tabar using ship’s boats. They were medically examined by the onboard team, and no injuries were reported.

The remaining crew members, including the ship’s Master, remained onboard MT Yi Cheng 6 to assist in controlling the fire. A six-member firefighting and damage control team from INS Tabar, equipped with specialized firefighting gear, was deployed to the tanker’s engine room, where the blaze had been reported.

Initial efforts by Indian Navy personnel, supported by the ship’s crew, led to a reduction in fire intensity, with smoke confined to the engine room. The operation was later reinforced by 13 additional naval personnel, including five officers and eight sailors, to strengthen containment efforts.

Sustained joint efforts brought the fire under control. The Navy reported that temperature checks and safety monitoring are continuing, and INS Tabar remains on site to provide ongoing support if needed.​