A fire on board a Russian oil tanker claimed the life of at least one crewmember in the Caspian Sea on Tuesday.
Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing a regional Emergencies Ministry, reported that the fire started in the deck housing of the 4,700 dwt tanker Inzhener Nazarov at approximately 12:35 Moscow time and quickly spread to other parts of the ship. Several crewmen of the 14 on board were forced into the water but were picked up by ships in the area while others stayed on board to battle the blaze. 1 person was reported to have been killed.
Several ships including fire fighting vessels quickly responded to the scene to assist with the rescue and firefighting efforts.
The Inzhener Nazarov was enroute from Turkmenistan to Makhachkala, Russia when the fire broke out.
The incident is currently being investigated.
