INS Tabar Responds to Fire Emergency Aboard MT Yi Cheng 6 in the Gulf of Oman

The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tabar, currently deployed in the Gulf of Oman, showcased its operational readiness and commitment to maritime safety by responding swiftly to a distress call from the Pulau-flagged oil tanker MT Yi Cheng 6. The tanker, with 14 Indian crew members, had encountered a serious onboard emergency—a major fire in the engine room and a complete power failure—while on its voyage from Kandla, India to Shinas, Oman.

The Indian Navy received the distress signal on June 28, 2025, and immediately activated an emergency response. INS Tabar, part of India’s Western Fleet and known for its advanced capabilities in handling naval threats as well as humanitarian crises, quickly assessed the situation and launched a rescue operation to assist the stranded vessel.

Onboard Emergency: Fire and Power Failure

MT Yi Cheng 6’s engine room fire posed a severe risk to both the vessel and its crew. Engine room fires are among the most dangerous incidents at sea, given the high temperatures, flammable materials, and complex machinery systems involved. The situation was further aggravated by a total power failure, which disabled the ship’s onboard firefighting systems, communication equipment, and propulsion.

Such emergencies at sea require immediate and skilled intervention to prevent escalation, environmental hazards, or even loss of life. With all 14 crew members onboard being of Indian origin, the urgency of the situation was clear.

INS Tabar Launches Firefighting and Rescue Mission

Demonstrating quick operational efficiency, INS Tabar deployed a team of 13 Indian naval personnel along with essential firefighting equipment to the distressed tanker. The transfer was carried out using both the frigate’s ship-borne boat and integral helicopter, ensuring rapid movement of manpower and gear despite challenging sea conditions.

Upon boarding the vessel, the Indian Navy’s team joined hands with five crew members from MT Yi Cheng 6 to initiate firefighting measures. Equipped with advanced damage-control tools, portable extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and thermal imaging gear, the team worked to access and cool the engine room while assessing the structural damage and risk of fire spread.

The coordinated effort led to a significant reduction in the intensity of the fire, and the situation was brought under control without any reported injuries or casualties.

Highlighting the Indian Navy’s Role in Maritime Safety

This rescue operation reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). While INS Tabar is primarily a warship equipped for a range of combat missions, its successful handling of this emergency highlights the Navy’s broader mandate: ensuring the safety of merchant vessels and the well-being of seafarers in international waters.

India, as one of the world’s largest contributors to the global seafaring workforce, has a direct stake in the safety of its nationals working aboard foreign-flagged ships. Through such missions, the Navy extends reassurance to Indian seafarers and shipping companies about India’s commitment to protecting its citizens on global waters.

About INS Tabar

INS Tabar (F44) is a Talwar-class stealth frigate that forms part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet. Commissioned in 2004, the ship is equipped with sophisticated missile systems, radar technology, electronic warfare suites, and aviation assets including helicopters.

The ship is also outfitted with advanced firefighting and damage-control capabilities, making it capable of handling emergency scenarios like the one involving MT Yi Cheng 6. The crew is specially trained to carry out rescue missions, environmental protection duties, and humanitarian assistance operations, in addition to traditional naval warfare tasks.

A Successful Mission and Strategic Implications

The quick and effective intervention by INS Tabar averted what could have been a devastating incident in one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world. The Gulf of Oman serves as a critical route for global trade and energy shipments, and any disruption here can have regional and international implications.

By ensuring the safety of the tanker and its crew, the Indian Navy not only fulfilled a humanitarian obligation but also contributed to stability and maritime order in a strategically important region.

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The operation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a permanent naval presence in sensitive maritime zones. It also reflects India’s rising stature as a responsible maritime power, capable of safeguarding its interests and extending help to others in need.

The Indian Navy’s action in responding to the emergency onboard MT Yi Cheng 6 is a powerful example of professionalism, courage, and timely intervention. INS Tabar’s swift response helped prevent a major maritime disaster, protected the lives of 14 Indian crew members, and demonstrated the Navy’s strong humanitarian values and operational excellence.

As global maritime activity continues to rise, such missions underscore the critical importance of having a capable and responsive navy—ready not only for combat, but also for safeguarding lives at sea.