Oil Tanker Catches Fire Near Indian Waters

On June 29, MT Yi Cheng 6, an oil tanker flying the Pulau flag, caught fire. The vessel had 14 crew members on board. It was sailing from Kandla Port in India to Shinas Port in Oman. The fire started in the engine room. It caused a total power failure, leaving the ship adrift in the open sea. The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tabar quickly responded to the distress call and launched a rescue mission.

The incident occurred while the ship was still within the Indian Navy’s operational range. When the fire grew more intense and the tanker started to lose power, it issued a distress call. The emergency was promptly addressed by the Indian Navy.

INS Tabar, a stealth-guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, immediately launched a search and rescue mission. This missile frigate of the Indian Navy, known for its quick response during maritime emergencies, was in the vicinity and changed course to assist the stricken vessel.

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Later, the Indian Navy verified that all 14 of the tanker’s crew members were Indian. Their safety and rescue became the immediate priority.

INS Tabar Responds with Swift Rescue Operation

INS Tabar sent its firefighting crew to the oil ship after receiving the distress call. To get to the tanker, the rescue crew utilized the ship’s boat as well as its helicopter. The Indian Navy stated that 13 naval personnel and five crew members from MT Yi Cheng 6 began joint firefighting efforts immediately upon arrival.

Despite the challenges posed by the raging fire and thick smoke, the rescue team managed to reach the engine room, which was the source of the fire. They began controlling the flames using special equipment carried by the frigate. The Indian Navy’s prompt action helped reduce the intensity of the fire considerably.

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Updates were posted by the military spokeswoman via the official “X” social media account. The spokeswoman wrote, “The ship’s boat and helicopter brought the firefighting team and equipment from #INSTabar onboard.” The message further stated that 13 Indian naval personnel and five crew members of the stricken tanker are currently fighting the fire and have drastically reduced its intensity.

There were no recorded casualties because to the prompt intervention. The successful containment of the fire helped prevent a potential maritime disaster. The rescue teams remained engaged for several hours, ensuring that the fire did not spread further within the tanker.

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The Indian Navy’s action in this dangerous situation shows how important it is for keeping maritime safety in the Indian Ocean region. INS Tabar is built for long-range missions. It has advanced sensors and fire-suppression systems. Its quick-response ability played a key role in controlling the emergency.

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The incident also underlines the importance of preparedness in handling sea-based emergencies, especially involving vessels carrying flammable cargo. The presence of trained personnel and quick deployment of emergency support can make a significant difference.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Officials are likely to investigate the engine room to find out what triggered it. The ship’s total power loss made the rescue more difficult. The quick arrival of INS Tabar was very important.

As of the latest update, all firefighting efforts have successfully brought the fire under control. The vessel is now stable, and no further threat to life or the ship’s structure has been reported.

The Indian Navy is keeping a careful eye on the situation and is giving the impacted crew members the assistance they need.