Oman-bound vessel catches major fire, INS Tabar on rescue mission
In a remarkable show of readiness and courage, the Indian Navy’s INS Tabar rushed to rescue a burning oil tanker, MT Yi Cheng 6, on June 29, 2025, in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, flying a Pulau flag and carrying 14 Indian crew members, was on its way from Kandla Port, Gujarat, to Shinas, Oman, when a sudden fire erupted in its engine room.
The blaze caused a total power failure, leaving the ship stranded. The crew immediately sent a distress signal, prompting the Indian Navy to act swiftly.
Swift Action in Open Waters
INS Tabar, on active duty in the Gulf of Oman, received the alert and changed course without delay. The Navy launched a rescue operation within hours of the emergency call.
Using its helicopter and small boats, Tabar sent a trained team to the stricken tanker. The firefighting crew, made up of 13 naval officers and 5 crew from the tanker, boarded the ship with hoses, extinguishers, and safety equipment.
Fighting Fire Under Pressure
The fire had spread across the engine room, creating thick smoke and extreme heat. The team worked in dangerous conditions to stop the flames from reaching fuel storage areas.
Their swift action reduced the fire’s intensity significantly. They managed to contain the fire before it could spread further. Naval engineers also restored partial ventilation, which helped the rescue effort.
Crew Safety Comes First
All 14 crew members, who are of Indian origin, were safely evacuated. Doctors aboard INS Tabar checked their health immediately. A few suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns, but none of the injuries were serious.
The crew is now stable and recovering. The Indian Navy has kept them under observation and continues to provide necessary medical support.
Fire Under Control, But Ship Needs Help
Although the fire is now under control, the tanker remains without full power. Engineers are checking for damage to critical systems. It may need to be towed to port if repairs at sea aren’t possible.
Naval officials are in contact with marine experts to decide the next steps. A complete survey will determine whether the ship can continue its journey or needs external support.
India’s Expanding Maritime Role
The rescue highlights India’s growing maritime strength and humanitarian role in the region. The INS Tabar, a stealth frigate, is part of India’s mission to secure trade routes and assist in emergencies.
The Navy regularly patrols the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Its presence helped reduce response time in this incident. India’s Defense Ministry praised the Navy’s actions, calling them “an example of duty and professionalism.”
Praise From All Quarters
Reactions poured in from across the maritime and diplomatic community. Social media users shared images and praised the Navy for its swift and brave response.
Indian officials based in Gulf countries thanked the Navy for protecting Indian citizens. Defense experts also noted the mission as a strong signal of India’s commitment to maritime safety.
What Comes Next?
The Navy continues to monitor the tanker’s condition. If required, a towing operation will follow. Experts will examine environmental risks too, to prevent fuel leaks or other hazards in the eco-sensitive Gulf region.
This incident may also lead to better safety rules for foreign-flagged vessels operating in Indian waters. India has increased its focus on maritime security and emergency readiness, especially after past fire and piracy incidents.
Conclusion
The INS Tabar rescue mission shows how quickly and effectively India can respond to crises at sea. With no lives lost and the fire contained, this operation proves the value of constant vigilance and training.
India’s Navy once again acted not just as a defender, but as a humanitarian force capable of saving lives beyond borders.
