A probe has begun into a fire that left a tanker disabled off the US.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) said that the 12,800-dwt asphalt/bitumen ship Feng Huang Ao (built 2016) was hit by a blaze on 5 October, 57 miles from Nantucket Island.

Special Operations Command firefighters and rescue paramedics conducted a joint safety examination of the vessel on Monday afternoon.

The Hong Kong-flagged ship has 21 crew.

It is loaded with asphalt and was bound for New York.

The fire was extinguished using the ship’s carbon dioxide suppression system.

There were no reported injuries to any crew members, and no reports of pollution. The ship’s electrical generators and main engine were disabled by the fire.

A coast guard cutter was diverted to assist the tanker, as well as tugs.

It was taken under tow on Sunday.

"Significant" incident

“This was a significant engine room fire that damaged a number of vessel systems, and we are fortunate there were no injuries,” said Captain Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York.

“Responding to this case required close coordination between numerous partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safety of the ship and the port, and to protect the environment."

The Feng Huang Ao will remain in port until repairs are completed.

It is listed as owned by Ocean Generous Shipping of the Netherlands.