Tanker Adrift in Indian Ocean After Engine Room Fire

A Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, Invictus, is currently adrift in the Indian Ocean after suffering an engine room fire and losing power on Tuesday, April 22, while en route to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

The incident occurred roughly 508 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. The vessel had departed from Beira, Mozambique, and was mid-journey when the fire broke out in the evening (local time). The blaze, which originated in the engine room, was fully extinguished by noon the following day, Wednesday, April 23.

Despite successfully putting out the fire, the crew has been unable to restore power. Flooding in the engine room has made it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage, leaving the vessel stranded.

An Indian Navy ship responded swiftly to the distress call, dispatching medical personnel to board the Invictus and provide aid. A Filipino crewmember who sustained burn injuries was treated onboard. The remainder of the crew is safe and still aboard the vessel as ship management considers evacuation options for the injured sailor and plans for further medical treatment.

Meanwhile, European Union naval forces are monitoring the situation closely as the vessel remains disabled and adrift.

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