Indian Navy Swiftly Rescues 14 Crew Members from Burning Oil Tanker in the North Arabian Sea

In a commendable display of professionalism, preparedness, and maritime readiness, the Indian Navy successfully executed a rescue and firefighting operation aboard an oil tanker engulfed in flames in the North Arabian Sea.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a massive fire broke out in the engine room of MT Yi Cheng 6, an oil tanker flying the flag of Palau and operating near the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

 

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the vessel was approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah when a distress call was received.

The Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Tabar, which was on a mission-based deployment in the region, was immediately diverted to respond to the emergency.

 

 

Rapid Response and Strategic Coordination

Upon receiving the alert, INS Tabar swiftly changed course and reached the location of the distressed tanker in the early hours of Sunday.

Once in proximity to Yi Cheng 6, the ship’s crew established direct communication with the master (captain) of the vessel to assess the gravity of the situation and coordinate immediate rescue and firefighting efforts.

 

Seven out of the 14 Indian crew members aboard the burning tanker were promptly evacuated by the naval team to ensure their safety. These individuals were removed from harm’s way and transferred to a secure area onboard INS Tabar.

The remaining crew members, who were not in immediate danger, bravely chose to stay back to assist in damage control operations alongside the Navy’s specialized team.

 

Expert Firefighting Operation

Recognizing the scale of the fire and the potential threat to lives and the environment, a specialized six-member firefighting and damage control team from INS Tabar was deployed to board the burning oil tanker.

These personnel, equipped with advanced fire suppression and protective gear, immediately began efforts to extinguish the blaze.

As the situation evolved, an additional 13 personnel from the Indian Navy joined the firefighting team to reinforce the operation. Together, the combined force of Navy professionals and tanker crew managed to contain the fire successfully, preventing it from spreading beyond the engine room.

Their coordinated efforts ensured that the fire did not reach more volatile areas of the ship, such as oil storage compartments, which could have led to a catastrophic explosion or environmental disaster.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew members or naval personnel during the entire operation.

Continued Vigilance and Commitment to Maritime Security

The Indian Navy confirmed that INS Tabar remains stationed at the site to provide continued support and assistance as required. The ship is maintaining a watchful presence to ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew while authorities assess the damage and decide on further course of action for the stricken tanker.

This mission is being hailed as yet another example of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness, swift response capabilities, and unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security in the vast maritime expanse of the Indian Ocean Region.

By responding rapidly to a foreign-flagged commercial vessel in distress, India has once again reaffirmed its role as a net security provider in the region and a reliable responder in humanitarian and disaster-relief situations at sea.

The operation also highlights the strategic value of India’s mission-based deployments, which position Indian naval ships at key locations across the Indian Ocean to respond quickly to emergencies, deter piracy, support friendly navies, and uphold freedom of navigation.

In recent years, the Indian Navy has played an increasingly proactive role in regional maritime security, and this successful intervention near Fujairah underscores its growing capacity to handle complex emergency scenarios well beyond India’s shores.