Did the Indian Navy Save 14 Crew Members from a Burning Vessel in the Arabian Sea?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Navy showcases rapid response capabilities.
- Successful rescue of 14 crew members from a burning vessel.
- Collaboration between naval personnel and ship's crew was vital.
- No injuries were reported during the operation.
- Reinforces India's role as a key maritime responder.
New Delhi, July 1 (NationPress) The Indian Navy has successfully rescued 14 fellow countrymen who were part of the crew aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6, which encountered a fire incident in the North Arabian Sea, as reported by an official on Tuesday.
This challenging rescue operation, carried out on Sunday, showcased the Navy's exceptional operational readiness and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers, according to the official.
The INS Tabar, engaged in a mission-based deployment, responded to a 'Mayday' distress signal from MT Yi Cheng 6 during the early hours of Sunday. The tanker reported a significant fire in its engine room while situated approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE, as stated by an official announcement.
In a swift response, INS Tabar accelerated to maximum speed to assist. Upon reaching the area near the distressed vessel, the crew established communication with the ship's Master and initiated firefighting efforts.
Prioritizing the safety of the crew, seven members were promptly evacuated to INS Tabar using the ship's boats. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all crew members were assessed by the medical team aboard Tabar.
The remaining crew, including the Master, chose to stay on board to aid in the fire containment efforts. INS Tabar deployed a specialized six-member firefighting and damage control team equipped for the operation.
Initial firefighting actions taken by the Indian Navy personnel, along with the ship's crew, led to a significant reduction in fire intensity, confining smoke to the engine room. The efforts were bolstered by an additional 13 Indian Navy personnel (five officers and eight sailors).
The persistent efforts of the Indian Navy's firefighting team, in collaboration with the ship's crew, successfully brought the blaze under control. Continuous temperature monitoring was conducted, and INS Tabar remained stationed to provide ongoing support, as per the statement.
The actions of the Indian Navy ensured the safety of both the vessel and its Indian crew members. This incident underscores the Navy’s rapid response capabilities, operational readiness, and humanitarian commitment to maritime safety, reaffirming India’s critical role as a primary responder in the Indian Ocean Region, the official noted.