A Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker reported fire onboard, while underway 16.5 nautical miles east of Taiwan’s Orchid Island, on 8 December.
The 2006-built MT MARQUESSA was en route from Laizhou, China to Singapore, when the incident occurred.
According to information provided by the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC), the captain of the ship sent out distress calls at 10:30 am Tuesday, reporting a fire in the vessel’s engine room.
Shortly after, the MARQUESSA lost power and the captain decided to abandon the ship.
Responding to the incident, three Coast Guard patrol boats and an NASC blackhawk helicopter were dispatched to rescue the 24 crew onboard.
Meanwhile, the Air Service Corps airlifted eight crew members by helicopter. A total of 16 crew members remained onboard, including the Captain, waiting for tug boat assistance.
AIS data show the MARQUESSA was en route to Singapore, where it was expected to arrive on 15 December.
The cause of the incident is still unknown.
