Fire: Pakistan Navy brings blaze on MT Shalamar under control in Arabian Sea

Swift naval response in waters off Gwadar prevents escalation as authorities launch inquiry into cause of merchant vessel blaze.

A fire aboard the Pakistani merchant vessel MT Shalamar was brought under control after a swift rescue operation by the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea, sources confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred approximately 80 miles off the coast of Gwadar, where the vessel was sailing when the blaze broke out.

Pakistan Navy deployed emergency response units after receiving distress information, and firefighting teams were dispatched to contain the situation at sea. The vessel was located south of Gwadar, while the nearest port lay about 48 miles to the southeast, according to sources.

The merchant ship MT Shalamar was stabilised after naval personnel carried out coordinated firefighting efforts to prevent the flames from spreading further. The operation was completed successfully, and the fire was contained before causing catastrophic structural damage.

No immediate reports of injuries were received, and the extent of damage to the vessel has not yet been confirmed. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigators are expected to examine the circumstances once the ship is secured.

The blaze was first reported while the vessel was navigating busy sea lanes in the northern Arabian Sea, a critical maritime corridor for regional trade routes.

Authorities said the ship will undergo a full assessment to determine technical faults, operational issues, or external factors that may have triggered the incident. Emergency protocols were activated promptly, and the situation was described as being handled in a controlled and coordinated manner.

The successful containment operation highlights the Pakistan Navy’s maritime response readiness in the region. It was praised for preventing a potentially serious maritime disaster in open waters near Gwadar.

Arabian Sea remains a key operational zone for both commercial shipping and naval monitoring, where rapid response capabilities are considered essential for maritime safety.