New Delhi: A major fire broke out aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Yio Cheng 6, carrying 14 crew members, in the northern Arabian Sea on Sunday. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the Indian Navy deployed its frontline warship INS Tabar, which played a critical role in firefighting and rescue operations.
The incident occurred approximately 84 nautical miles east of the United Arab Emirates, where the vessel was sailing when a fire erupted in the engine room. Acting promptly, INS Tabar launched an effective firefighting operation and successfully brought the situation under control.
According to officials, INS Tabar received the ‘Mayday’ distress signal around June 29 Sunday nearly six hours before engaging in the mission. The warship swiftly reached the scene and managed to significantly contain the fire’s intensity before it could spread further.
The Indian Navy confirmed that no injuries were reported. INS Tabar also helped evacuate seven crew members as a precautionary measure, ensuring their safety. The rest of the crew remained onboard once the vessel was secured and deemed safe.
An Indian Navy official stated, “This incident highlights the operational capability and responsiveness of the Indian Navy in providing maritime security and emergency support in international waters.” The professionalism and speed with which INS Tabar responded underscore India's growing maritime strength and humanitarian commitment in the Indian Ocean region.