KISMAYO (KAAB TV) – A commercial cargo vessel registered in India, identified as M.S.V. Fazle Rabbi (registration number 2192), was completely destroyed by fire off the coast of Kismayo, Somalia, earlier this week.
The incident occurred shortly after the ship departed from Kismayo Port en route to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to maritime sources, the blaze broke out approximately 8 nautical miles from the port, originating in the vessel’s engine room.
The fire quickly spread throughout the ship, making it impossible for the crew to bring it under control despite their initial firefighting efforts.
The ship’s captain ordered an immediate evacuation after it became clear that the flames were uncontrollable.
All 16 crew members on board donned life jackets and abandoned the vessel, jumping into the sea to save their lives.
A sister ship belonging to the same Indian shipping company, M.N.V. Al Fazl (registration number 2031), was reportedly nearby and responded swiftly to the distress call.
Working in coordination with the Somali coastal police, the Al Fazl crew successfully rescued all 16 sailors. Maritime authorities later confirmed that all crew members were rescued unharmed and transported safely to shore.
The Fazle Rabbi, however, was completely consumed by the fire and sank shortly afterward. Preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical fault in the engine may have caused the incident, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
The ship’s owners have contacted maritime authorities in both Somalia and Dubai to assist in conducting a formal investigation into the cause of the fire.
Officials are also assessing potential environmental impacts from the wreck, given that the incident occurred in Somalia’s territorial waters.
Local authorities commended the swift response of nearby vessels and the Somali coastal police, noting that the coordination likely prevented a loss of life.