A fire on the tanker Rem Andes, which is flagged under Cyprus, led to the emergency evacuation of crew members on October 12, 2026, in the Gulf of Mexico. The tanker was approximately 100 nautical miles from Grand Isle, Louisiana when the fire suddenly broke out.
Incident Details
According to received information, there were 46 people on board the tanker, of which 38 were transferred to lifeboats due to the fire, while 8 others remained on the ship to fight the fire and assess damages. Initially, the U.S. Coast Guard reported the total number of individuals as 42. Fortunately, no injuries to the crew have been reported.
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Response and Rescue Operations
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the tanker’s emergency call using a C-27 Spartan aircraft from Clearwater Air Station. The crew members who were transferred to lifeboats were taken to Fourchon port in Louisiana by nearby supply vessels. The rescue operation also included an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from New Orleans Air Station.
While the fire was successfully extinguished, the tanker Rem Andes was coordinating for commercial salvage and recovery operations. This 88-meter tanker, built in 2012, is managed by the Norwegian company Rem Offshore and is designed for conducting marine surveys and collecting geophysical data for energy exploration activities.
Cause of the Fire and Consequences
The exact cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the tanker have not yet been determined. This incident once again highlights the challenges in managing the safety of tankers and other vessels in international waters. Additionally, reports indicate gaps in training and emergency planning in response to similar incidents in U.S. ports.
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