Kozhikode, June 9 — A major maritime emergency unfolded off the coast of Kerala on Monday after a Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire while en route from Colombo to Navi Mumbai. The blaze, which erupted approximately 78 nautical miles from Beypore, has left four of the 22 crew members missing and five others injured, including two with serious burns.
The incident was first reported around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, when Indian Navy officials received alerts regarding an underdeck fire aboard the vessel. The fire rapidly spread, engulfing much of the ship and forcing the crew — mostly of Taiwanese nationality — to abandon the vessel in lifeboats and life rafts.
Eighteen crew members were successfully rescued from the sea, while search operations led by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy are underway to locate the remaining missing individuals. The merchant ship MV ONE MARVEL, diverted to assist in the emergency, is aiding in the recovery of survivors.
MV Wan Hai 503 had departed Colombo on June 7 and was expected to dock in Navi Mumbai on June 10. The ship remains adrift in the Arabian Sea, continuing to emit thick smoke. Official reports suggest that several containers fell into the water during the chaos, with some believed to contain hazardous materials that pose a continued fire risk.
Authorities have raised concerns about the nature of the cargo on board, as no confirmation has yet been received on whether dangerous goods were involved in the initial explosion. The ship’s owners have been urged to provide a detailed assessment of the cargo in the affected sections to determine the exact risks.
State Minister V.N. Vasavan has urged coastal agencies and local administrations to maintain vigilance. “Instructions have been issued to monitor the situation closely, especially in view of the hazardous nature of some cargo containers,” he said.
The district collectors of Kozhikode and Ernakulam have been directed to coordinate with local hospitals to ensure immediate medical care for the injured seafarers once they are brought ashore, according to Shekhar Kuriakose, member-secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. “As of now, there are no confirmed repercussions along the Kerala coast,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Flag Administration of Singapore has been officially notified of the disaster. India’s shipping directorate has requested the shipowners to urgently appoint certified salvors and firefighting specialists to join the response efforts. Their expertise is expected to be crucial in containing the blaze and evaluating the potential environmental and maritime risks stemming from the cargo.
The cause of the fire remains unclear as firefighting and salvage operations continue. Maritime safety experts have expressed concern over the growing frequency of container ship fires globally, particularly when hazardous materials are involved.
Authorities are expected to issue further updates as the situation develops.
