Working Conditions Aboard the Invictus

The tanker 'Invictus', which experienced a fire in its engine room on April 23, found itself adrift in the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, the situation has taken a turn for the better as the tug 'Advantis Virgo' (IMO: 9276676) has successfully towed the vessel to safety. On May 16, the tow commenced at a speed of 3.7 knots, with the ultimate destination set for Dubai, where the Invictus will undergo necessary repairs. The tanker arrived and secured berth at coordinates 25° 23' N 055° 05' E on the same day. During the unfortunate incident, one Filipino crew member sustained burns but received prompt medical aid from an Indian Navy vessel, although he was not evacuated. After drifting for about a week, the ship managed to remain in safe waters, avoiding any hazards near the Somalian coastline. Despite losing power during the incident, engineers have noted that damage was primarily limited to cables and panels. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.

The tanker 'Invictus' has found itself adrift in the Indian Ocean following a significant fire that erupted in its engine room while it was traveling from Beira to Fujairah. The incident occurred 508 nautical miles east of Mogadishu on the evening of April 22, 2025. Firefighting efforts were successful, with the blaze being extinguished by noon on April 23, although the conditions of the engines remain uncertain due to flooding in the engine room. A nearby Indian Navy vessel provided crucial medical support to a Filipino crew member who sustained burns during the incident. While assistance was rendered, the naval ship did not conduct a medevac, prompting the vessel’s management to seek alternatives for transferring the injured crew member off the 'Invictus'. The remaining crew members stayed on board as the situation developed. European Union naval forces in the vicinity are actively monitoring the situation. As of April 3, the tanker was classified as Not Under Command (NUC) at position 02° 06' N 053° 33' E.