Demonstrating rapid operational readiness and its unwavering commitment to seafarer safety, the Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation on-board Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on 29 Jun 2025 in the North Arabian Sea, successfully stabilising the situation and ensuring the safety of 14 Indian crew members.

In the early hours of 29 Jun 2025, INS Tabar on mission-based deployment, 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.

Responding swiftly, INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed to provide assistance. The ship reached in vicinity of the distressed vessel and upon arrival established communication with the Master of the vessel and commenced firefighting operations.

Prioritising crew 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 onboard to assist with fire containment. INS Tabar deployed a six-member firefighting and damage control team with firefighting equipment.

Initial firefighting efforts from the Indian Naval personnel and ship’s crew resulted in considerable reduction in intensity of the fire with smoke restricted to the engine room. The firefighting effort was further reinforced with 13 additional Indian Navy personnel (5 officers and 8 sailors).

Sustained efforts by Indian Navy’s firefighting 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.

The valiant effort of Indian Naval personnel has ensured safety of the ship along with all Indian crew members. 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.

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VM/ SKY

Tanker Press Release