Oil tanker catches fire near Gwadar, Navy controls blaze

A crude oil tanker arriving from a Gulf port caught fire near Gwadar, but a timely rescue operation helped control the situation and prevented any major loss, according to officials.

A crude oil tanker arriving from a Gulf port caught fire near Gwadar, but a timely rescue operation helped control the situation and prevented any major loss, according to officials.

Sources from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) said the incident occurred on Thursday when the oil-carrying vessel was approximately 80 nautical miles away from Gwadar. At the time of the incident, the nearest port was around 48 miles away from the vessel.

After receiving an emergency call, the Pakistan Navy immediately launched a rescue operation and dispatched assistance teams to the affected ship. Navy personnel reached the vessel and took quick action to contain the fire. Their timely response helped prevent the flames from spreading and brought the situation under control.

Initial reports indicate that the fire was minor in nature and no major damage was reported to the ship, crew members, or cargo. Officials stated that safety measures were taken after the incident, and the condition of the vessel was assessed to ensure safe continuation of operations.

PNSC sources confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and assess any possible losses. The inquiry will examine whether the incident was caused by a technical fault, operational issue, or any other factor.

Oil tankers require strict safety procedures during maritime operations because even a small technical problem can lead to serious incidents. Authorities believe that the immediate response by rescue teams played an important role in avoiding a larger accident.

The relevant departments are now conducting a detailed inspection of the vessel and reviewing safety systems. Further information is expected after the completion of the investigation.

The incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid coordination between maritime authorities to protect ships, crew, and the marine environment. With the fire successfully controlled and no major casualties reported, officials are focusing on finding the exact cause and ensuring preventive measures are strengthened in the future.