In a dramatic and timely maritime rescue operation, the Indian Navy successfully saved the crew of a cargo vessel that caught fire in the Gulf of Oman, underlining its growing regional role as a first responder in international waters.
The vessel in distress, identified as MT Yi Cheng 6, is a Palau-flagged product tanker that was sailing from Kandla port in India to Shinas port in Oman. The ship experienced a massive engine room fire, leading to a complete power failure, which rendered the vessel adrift and incapacitated in open waters.
Upon receiving a distress signal, the Indian Navy warship INS Tabar, already deployed in the region as part of India's Maritime Security Operations, immediately altered its course and rushed to the scene. The Indian Navy responded with commendable speed and efficiency, launching a complex rescue and firefighting operation that highlighted its operational readiness and humanitarian commitment.
A specialized 13-member naval firefighting team, accompanied by five crew members from the tanker, was deployed onto the burning vessel via boat and helicopter. Working against time and under extremely hazardous conditions, the combined team successfully brought the fire under control, preventing a potentially devastating maritime disaster. The fire had broken out in the engine room and threatened to engulf more critical areas of the ship.
All 14 crew members, reportedly Indian nationals, were safely evacuated without any injuries. Navy officials confirmed that no casualties occurred during the fire or the rescue operation, which is being hailed as a textbook example of efficient crisis management at sea.
Post-rescue, efforts were initiated to stabilize the ship and restore its basic operational functions. The Indian Navy is continuing to monitor the vessel and provide necessary assistance to ensure it reaches a safe port or anchorage.
This incident once again underscores the importance of India’s proactive naval deployments in the strategically crucial waters of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, particularly at a time when commercial shipping is facing increasing threats from both natural and man-made emergencies.
The Navy’s swift intervention received widespread appreciation from maritime safety bodies and neighboring nations, highlighting India's growing stature as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
The successful operation not only saved lives but also prevented what could have been a major environmental and maritime disaster in one of the world's busiest and most sensitive shipping routes.