Mumbai: The Indian Navy has brought the fire on board Palau-flagged oil products tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 under control and rescued all 14 Indian crew members of the vessel.
A major fire was reported in the engine room of the tanker – headed from Kandla in Gujarat to the Omani port of Shinas – on Sunday. It was then in the Gulf of Oman. INS Tabar, a Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy that was on mission deployment in the region, rushed to the rescue.
“Demonstrating rapid operational readiness and its unwavering commitment to seafarer safety, the Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation on-board the vessel in the North Arabian Sea, successfully stabilising the situation and ensuring the safety of 14 Indian crew members,” the Navy said in a statement.
In the early hours of Sunday, INS Tabar received a Mayday call from MT Yi Cheng 6. The vessel reported a major fire outbreak in its engine room whilst operating approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE.
“INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed to provide assistance. The ship reached the vicinity of the distressed vessel and established communication with the master of the tanker before commencing fire-fighting operations. Prioritising safety, seven crew members were immediately evacuated to INS Tabar using ship’s boats. No injuries were reported, and all crew were examined by Tabar’s medical team. The remaining crew members, including the master, stayed on board to assist with fire containment. INS Tabar deployed a six-member firefighting and damage control team with firefighting equipment,” the Navy said.
Initial fire-fighting efforts from the Indian naval personnel and ship’s crew resulted in considerable reduction in intensity of the blaze with smoke restricted to the engine room. The firefighting effort was further reinforced with 13 additional Indian Navy personnel, including five officers.
“Sustained efforts by the Indian Navy’s fire-fighting team along with crew members have successfully brought the fire under control. Continuous temperature checks and monitoring is being undertaken. INS Tabar remains on station for continued support. This incident once again highlights Indian Navy’s rapid response capability, operational preparedness, humanitarian approach to maritime safety and reaffirms India’s role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region,” the Navy said.
