The United Arab Emirates National Guard has rescued 22 crew members from an oil tanker that caught fire in the Arabian Gulf. All crew members were evacuated safely and received first aid, officials said on Saturday.
The National Guard said its Coast Guard responded after receiving a distress call about a fire on board the vessel. Emergency teams were sent to find the tanker and assist those on board.
The 22 crew members were described as Asian nationals. They were taken to safety and given first aid before being handed over to the relevant authorities. All were reported to be in stable condition.
Officials did not identify the tanker involved in the rescue. They also did not say what caused the fire or when the incident took place.
The rescue comes amid growing concern over the safety of commercial ships in the Gulf. Several vessels have faced attacks or other security threats in recent weeks as tensions in the region have risen.
A day before the announcement, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker called Gem No. 2 was struck by an unidentified projectile off the UAE coast. The impact caused a fire on board, according to maritime security officials.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said the tanker was hit about 13 nautical miles west of Al-Jazeera in the UAE. The fire was later put out, the agency reported.
No group has claimed responsibility for the strike. Officials have not publicly identified the source of the projectile or explained why the vessel was targeted.
The attack took place outside the Strait of Hormuz. This raised concerns that threats to commercial shipping could spread beyond the narrow waterway that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for energy supplies. Large amounts of oil and other fuels pass through the area each day. Any threat to shipping can affect trade, transport costs, and energy markets.
Iran has threatened to block ships using routes through the Strait of Hormuz that it has not approved. These warnings have added to concerns among shipping firms and governments that rely on the waterway.
The recent incidents have led maritime security officials to urge ship operators to take greater care. Crews working in the region face added risks as vessels move through busy waters near areas of conflict.
Earlier in the week, another tanker was hit by projectiles off the coast of Qatar. The incident added to fears that commercial vessels across the Gulf could face further attacks.
The latest rescue shows the role of coast guard teams in responding to emergencies at sea. Fires on oil tankers can pose serious risks because vessels carry large amounts of fuel. A fire may spread quickly and threaten crew members, nearby ships, and the marine environment.
Quick evacuation is often vital when a ship catches fire. First aid can also help injured or distressed crew members while they wait for further medical care. In this case, officials said all 22 people were in stable condition after the rescue.
However, key details about the tanker fire remain unknown. The National Guard has not confirmed whether the vessel was linked to the separate attack on Gem No. 2. There is also no official evidence connecting the two events.
The distinction is important because the Gulf has seen several maritime incidents in a short period. Without more details, it remains unclear whether the fire was caused by an attack, an accident, or another problem on board.
Shipping companies are likely to keep a close watch on security warnings as tensions continue. Tankers carry vital supplies for many countries, and disruptions can affect global energy trade.
For now, the UAE National Guard has confirmed that the 22 crew members were rescued and transferred to the relevant authorities. Officials have yet to release further information about the vessel or the cause of the fire.
As maritime risks grow across the region, the safety of crews and commercial shipping remains a major concern for Gulf states and the wider international community.
