The United Arab Emirates Coast Guard has rescued all 22 crew members from a cargo ship that caught fire in the Gulf of Oman, authorities said on Sunday.

The UAE National Guard said its Coast Guard division responded after the crew reported the fire, located the vessel and evacuated everyone on board. The crew, all Arab nationals, received first aid before being handed over to the relevant authorities, and all 22 were reported to be in stable condition.

Vessel and cause not identified

Officials did not name the ship, disclose its flag or say what caused the fire, and gave no indication that it resulted from hostile action. The National Guard also did not say where the crew were taken or whether further medical checks were needed.

Britain's maritime agency, UKMTO, separately reported that a tanker caught fire on Saturday about eight nautical miles north-west of Khasab in Oman, and that its crew had been evacuated. It also reported an incident involving a bulk carrier and military forces about 18 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE.

The rescue came during a weekend of heightened tension in Gulf waters, as the United States said it had disabled a cargo vessel accused of trying to breach its naval blockade of Iran. Officials have not confirmed any link between that operation and the fire.