Indian Navy Responds to Engine Room Blaze on Tanker in Gulf of Oman

A recent publication by the Indian Navy reveals that the stealth frigate INS tabar came to the aid of the Pulau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday. The tanker, which was carrying a crew of 14 Indian nationals, encountered a severe engine room fire and lost all power while traveling from Kandla, India to Shinas, Oman.

In response to this emergency,INS Tabar—already stationed in the area—quickly deployed firefighting teams along with necessary equipment via both its ship’s boat and helicopter.The Indian Navy reported that “13 naval personnel and 5 crew members from the tanker are actively engaged in combating the fire,” noting that their efforts have considerably reduced its intensity.

This incident underscores how crucial naval forces are for ensuring safety in commercial maritime operations, especially in vital regions like the Gulf of Oman where vessels face risks from both environmental hazards and security threats. As operations continue to extinguish any remaining flames and evaluate damage to MT Yi Cheng 6, details regarding what caused this fire or how much harm it inflicted on the vessel remain undisclosed.Such events remind us of similar situations faced by other nations; as an example, Japan’s coast guard often responds swiftly to maritime emergencies around its busy shipping lanes. This global perspective highlights a shared commitment among navies worldwide toward safeguarding maritime trade routes against unforeseen challenges.