Navy rescues crew, douses fire on Palau-flagged tanker in north Arabian Sea

Showing rapid operational readiness to ensure the safety of a merchant ship, a team from the Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation aboard the Palau-flagged tanker ‘MT Yi Cheng 6’ in the northern Arabian Sea.

The operation successfully stabilised the situation and ensured the safety of 14 Indian crew members on board.

According to the Navy, in the early hours of June 29, warship INS Tabar, already deployed in the Arabian Sea, received a ‘mayday’ distress call from MT Yi Cheng 6, reporting a major fire outbreak in its engine room. The vessel was operating approximately 80 nautical miles (145 km) east of Fujairah, UAE.

INS Tabar immediately proceeded to provide assistance. Upon reaching the vicinity of the distressed tanker, communication was established with the Master of the vessel.

Prioritising crew safety, seven crew members were evacuated to INS Tabar using the ship’s boats. No injuries were reported and all evacuees were examined by the onboard medical team. The remaining crew, including the Master, stayed back to assist with fire containment.

INS Tabar deployed a six-member firefighting and damage control team with specialist equipment. Initial efforts by naval personnel and the ship’s crew significantly reduced the fire’s intensity, confining smoke to the engine room. The operation was later reinforced by 13 additional Navy personnel — five officers and eight sailors.

Together with the merchant vessel’s crew, the firefighting teams successfully brought the fire under control.

The Navy stated that the swift and coordinated efforts of its personnel ensured the safety of the ship and all Indian crew members aboard the tanker.