NEW DELHI — Demonstrating swift operational readiness and a strong commitment to maritime safety, the Indian Navy conducted a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 after a major fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room last weekend.
The incident occurred early on June 29, when the Indian Navy frigate INS Tabar, deployed on a mission in the North Arabian Sea, received a Mayday distress call from the tanker, which was operating roughly 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
The Navy said INS Tabar immediately diverted course and proceeded at maximum speed to the tanker’s location. Upon arrival, the crew established communication with the vessel’s Master and began firefighting operations.
Seven crew members were quickly evacuated to INS Tabar using the ship’s boats, with no injuries reported. The onboard team medically evaluated the evacuated crew members. The remaining crew, including the vessel’s Master, remained onboard to assist with firefighting efforts.
A six-member firefighting and damage control team from INS Tabar, equipped with specialized gear, was initially deployed to combat the blaze. As the fire continued, the effort was reinforced with an additional 13 Indian Navy personnel—five officers and eight sailors.
The Navy reported that the combined efforts of its personnel and the tanker’s crew successfully brought the fire under control, containing smoke within the engine room. Temperature checks and structural monitoring continue, with INS Tabar remaining on site to provide ongoing support.
The tanker had 14 Indian crew members aboard, all of whom are safe.
“This incident once again highlights the Indian Navy’s rapid response capability, operational preparedness, and humanitarian approach to maritime safety,” the Navy said in a statement, calling the operation a reaffirmation of India’s role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
