RFA tanker Brambleleaf has picked up the survivors of a blazing dhow in the Arabian Gulf.

The British ship was passing through the northern end oft the Gulf on Tuesday when her crew spotted a tall plume of smoke on the horizon.

Brambleleaf altered course to investigate, and found the source to be a cargo dhow which was blazing furiously. A small boat was spotted around a mile away from the burning dhow.

Given the political situation within the region, the ship’s weapons crews stood ready as the tanker cautiously approached the small boat, but from a distance of about a mile it became clear that the people in the small boat were in distress and in need of assistance.

Once it had been established – as far as possible – that there was no hostile intent, Brambleleaf’s crash boat was launched and directed to approach the boat with caution.

Upon arrival at the boat 12 survivors from the dhow were discovered – the Indian captain and 11 crewmen from Pakistan – and all were in good health, apart from shock and dehydration.

Whilst political channels were being explored for the ultimate destination of these survivors, the crash boat returned to the tanker to collect water and basic rations.

By the time it had returned to the survivors boat, some ten minutes later, it had been established that Brambleleaf would offer humanitarian aid and embark the survivors for transfer to their port of departure – Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The 12 survivors were then transferred to the tanker, where they were searched, their names and identities taken and then offered showers, food, a change of clothing and sleeping facilities.

The dhow, the Fate al Rahman, was carrying powdered cement, tyres, batteries and small luxury goods.