A crude oil aframax tanker, MT Pablo, exploded in Malaysian waters while carrying Iranian crude oil.
Malaysian authorities were able to extinguish the fire, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway.
The 1997-built vessel has previously changed flags and has been transferred three times in recent years.
It is currently registered under the Gabon flag and is listed as being owned by Pablo Union Shipping, a ship shell company based in the Marshall Islands.
On Monday afternoon, the Pablo issued a distress call following the explosion.
While the Malaysian authorities were able to rescue 25 crew members, three seafarers lost their lives in the incident.
Captained by a Russian sailor, the Pablo was en route to the United Arab Emirates from China.
Numerous images and videos of the explosion are circulating on the internet.