The incident unfolded around 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE, when the tanker issued a Mayday distress call following a massive fire outbreak in its engine room. The alert was picked up by INS Tabar, which was already in the region on a mission-based deployment.
In a dramatic high-seas operation, the Indian Navy on June 29 successfully led a critical firefighting and rescue mission aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the North Arabian Sea, ensuring the safety of all 14 Indian crew members on board.
The incident unfolded around 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE, when the tanker issued a Mayday distress call following a massive fire outbreak in its engine room. The alert was picked up by INS Tabar, which was already in the region on a mission-based deployment.
The Navy responded with remarkable speed and precision, racing to the tanker’s location and launching a full-scale firefighting operation. Upon arrival, seven crew members were swiftly evacuated from the burning vessel using the ship’s boats. Medical teams aboard INS Tabar examined the rescued seafarers—none were injured.
The remaining crew, including the ship’s Master, stayed aboard to assist the Indian Navy in firefighting efforts.
INS Tabar initially deployed a six-member damage control team, equipped with advanced firefighting gear. As smoke and flames engulfed the engine room, the team, along with the tanker’s crew, managed to contain the fire’s spread. Reinforcements soon followed—13 additional naval personnel (including five officers and eight sailors) joined the effort.
Thanks to their relentless and coordinated action, the fire was brought under control. The situation is now stable, and INS Tabar continues to monitor temperatures and provide on-site support.
This high-risk operation highlights the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, rapid response capability, and its steadfast commitment to maritime safety. It also reaffirms India’s growing role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).