Indian Navy Rescues MT Yi Cheng 6 Crew in Major Fire off Fujairah Coast

At the break of dawn on 29 June, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Tabar, deployed on Mission-Based Deployment (MBD) in the Arabian Sea, received an urgent Mayday call from the MT Yi Cheng 6.

In a remarkable display of maritime prowess, the Indian Navy executed a high-stakes firefighting and rescue operation onboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on 29 June 2025, reinforcing its commitment to seafarer safety and regional maritime security. The operation took place approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE, in the North Arabian Sea, and saved 14 Indian crew members, who were caught in a raging fire within the vessel’s engine room.

The successful containment of the fire and the safeguarding of all crew without casualties underscore India’s growing stature as a first responder and maritime security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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Mayday at Dawn: INS Tabar Springs into Action

At the break of dawn on 29 June, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Tabar, deployed on Mission-Based Deployment (MBD) in the Arabian Sea, received an urgent Mayday call from the MT Yi Cheng 6. The tanker, en route through one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, reported a major fire in its engine room, posing imminent danger to the ship and its crew.

Without delay, INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed, demonstrating the Navy’s readiness to respond to emergencies at sea. Upon reaching the distressed vessel, Tabar's crew established radio contact with the ship’s Master and assessed the scale of the emergency.

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Swift Evacuation and Medical Support

Recognizing the potential danger to life, seven crew members were promptly evacuated using INS Tabar’s boats, prioritizing their safety. These seafarers, all Indian nationals, were transferred safely and medically examined aboard Tabar. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The remaining seven crew members, including the ship’s Master, voluntarily stayed aboard the vessel to assist with onboard firefighting efforts, working shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Navy’s specialist teams.

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Firefighting Under Extreme Conditions

INS Tabar’s crew swiftly deployed a six-member damage control and firefighting team, fully equipped with specialized naval firefighting gear. These personnel joined forces with the tanker’s crew to combat the flames.

Despite limited visibility and intense heat, initial efforts significantly reduced the fire’s intensity, successfully restricting the smoke and blaze to the engine room. Recognizing the persistent threat, reinforcements were dispatched—an additional 13 naval personnel (comprising 5 officers and 8 sailors) were mobilized to assist in suppressing the fire entirely.

The combined operation, marked by coordinated teamwork and methodical temperature monitoring, eventually led to the complete containment of the fire.

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Continued Vigilance and Support at Sea

Even after the fire was controlled, INS Tabar remained on station, maintaining watch and providing technical and medical support to ensure continued stability aboard MT Yi Cheng 6. Naval engineers conducted thermal inspections and damage assessments, ensuring there was no risk of re-ignition.

This careful and prolonged engagement highlights the Indian Navy’s humanitarian and professional commitment to maritime safety and its global role as a trustworthy naval power.

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A Testament to Preparedness and Maritime Leadership

This high-risk operation is another addition to India’s growing profile as the “Net Security Provider” in the Indian Ocean Region. It demonstrates the Navy’s ability to respond rapidly to crises, even in international waters, offering timely aid to vessels in distress and safeguarding lives irrespective of nationality or ownership.

The mission also reflects India's emphasis on Seafarer Welfare, which aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidelines on search and rescue operations. It also underscores India’s blue water navy capabilities, especially in terms of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

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Global Recognition and Strategic Implications

With maritime trade forming the lifeline of global commerce, particularly in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, such incidents test the preparedness and strategic capabilities of navies. India’s successful intervention in the MT Yi Cheng 6 incident is expected to draw international commendation and could pave the way for deeper naval partnerships, interoperability, and joint maritime safety protocols in the region.

The Indian Navy's proactive stance also strengthens maritime confidence among the large community of Indian and international merchant mariners navigating the region.

The Indian Navy’s daring and effective firefighting and rescue operation aboard MT Yi Cheng 6 stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of operational readiness, humanitarian values, and strategic presence at sea. As India continues to expand its naval footprint, such missions reiterate the nation’s commitment to global maritime safety and seafarer security.