The mission successfully stabilised the situation and ensured the safety of 14 Indian crew members. In the early hours of June 29, INS Tabar, deployed on a mission, received a Mayday distress 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
Indian Navy's INS Tabar battles a major engine room fire on the tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the North Arabian Sea, rescuing 14 crew members. Pic/Courtesy Defence PRO.
Demonstrating swift operational readiness and an unwavering commitment to seafarer safety, the Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on June 29, 2025, in the North Arabian Sea. This crucial mission successfully stabilised the situation and ensured the safety of all 14 Indian crew members.
According to a release, in the early hours of June 29, INS Tabar, which was on a mission-based deployment, received a Mayday distress call from the 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.
Responding without hesitation, INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed to provide immediate assistance. Upon reaching the vicinity of the distressed vessel, the ship further swiftly established the communication with the Master of the tanker and promptly commenced comprehensive firefighting operations.
Meanwhile prioritising the safety of the crew, seven members were immediately evacuated to INS Tabar using the ship's boats. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all evacuated crew members underwent examination by Tabar's medical team. However the remaining crew members, including the Master, stayed onboard to assist with the fire containment efforts.
In support of this, INS Tabar deployed a highly trained six-member firefighting and damage control team, fully equipped with essential firefighting gear, reported ANI.
The initial firefighting efforts by the Indian Naval personnel and the ship's crew led to a considerable reduction in the fire's intensity, with smoke notably restricted to the engine room. The comprehensive firefighting effort was further strengthened by the addition of 13 more Indian Navy personnel, comprising five officers and eight sailors.
The sustained and coordinated efforts by the Indian Navy’s dedicated firefighting team, working in conjunction with the tanker's crew members, have successfully brought the fire under complete control. Continuous temperature checks and thorough monitoring of the affected areas are currently being undertaken to prevent any resurgence. INS Tabar remains on station to provide ongoing support and ensure the vessel's continued safety.
According to ANI, the valiant and professional effort of the Indian Naval personnel has ensured the safety of both the ship and all its Indian crew members. This incident once again highlights the Indian Navy's rapid response capability, its exceptional operational preparedness, and its deeply humanitarian approach to maritime safety. It further reaffirms India’s pivotal role as the first responder in the wider Indian Ocean Region during critical maritime emergencies.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
