Singapore Cargo Ship Fire: A major emergency unfolded off the coast of Kerala when a Singapore-flagged container ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire after a container explosion while sailing through the Arabian Sea ship was on its way from Colombo to Mumbai when the incident took place roughly 78 nautical miles off the coast of Beypore, Kerala.
What Happened?
The MV Wan Hai 503, a cargo ship measuring 270 meters, set sail from Colombo on June 7 and was scheduled to arrive in Mumbai by June 10. However, a container exploded on Monday, starting a large fire on the ship. The fire got worse fast, leading to more blasts and making the crew leave the ship for their safety.
As the fire raged, about 20 containers fell into the sea, some of which reportedly contained hazardous and flammable materials, raising serious environmental and safety concerns. The ship was also carrying around 100 tonnes of bunker oil, increasing the risk of a major oil spill along the Kerala coast.
Rescue Operations
There were 22 crew members on board, including nationals from China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Indonesia—no Indian nationals were among them. When the fire broke out, the crew attempted to fight the flames, but four members who joined the initial firefighting efforts went missing. The rest of the crew abandoned the vessel and jumped into the sea for safety.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard acted quickly, sending out ships and planes to help. INS Surat and Coast Guard teams played a key role in the rescue by helping 18 crew members get safely from their lifeboats to shore. The rescued sailors were taken to New Mangalore Port late Monday night for medical care.
Of the 18 rescued, two crew members were in critical condition with severe burns and respiratory injuries, while four others had minor injuries. All the injured were taken to the AJ Hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. The rest of the rescued crew, though physically unharmed, were reported to be suffering from psychological trauma due to the ordeal.
According to hospital officials, the two critical patients suffered from inhalation burns affecting their lungs, making their condition very serious. The remaining four with minor burns also required medical attention. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard ensured that the critically injured were stabilized on board before being transferred to the hospital.
Search for the Missing
Efforts to find the four missing crew members—two from Taiwan, one from Myanmar, and one from Indonesia—carried on overnight and continued the following day. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have sent out ships and planes, with extra support coming from aircraft based in Kochi and Mangaluru, to help with the search. Additionally, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has sent a team to assist Indian officials with the rescue operations and investigation.
Environmental Concerns
The fire and the loss of containers into the sea have raised alarms about a potential oil spill and environmental damage along the Kerala coast. The ship’s 100 tonnes of bunker oil and the hazardous cargo in some containers could cause pollution if not contained quickly. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued warnings about the risk of oil slicks drifting toward the coastline, which could threaten marine life and fisheries.
Authorities are monitoring the drifting containers between Kozhikode and Kochi, and specialized teams are being sent to handle the hazardous materials on board and in the water. The Directorate General of Shipping has ordered the ship’s owners to engage expert salvors and firefighting teams and to provide details about the cargo involved in the fire.
Official Reactions
Singapore’s High Commissioner, Simon Wong, thanked the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for their fast and skilled help, and said he hopes the missing crew members will be found safe. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore also thanked Indian authorities for their support and swift action.
State and central government agencies are coordinating on the rescue, environmental protection, and investigation. The Kerala Ports Minister stated that the state would seek compensation for any environmental or fisheries damage caused by the incident, while the Union Ministry of Shipping is handling the legal aspects.
Emotional Scenes at the Port
As the rescued crew members got off the ship at New Mangalore Port, port staff witnessed touching moments, with many sailors distressed and unsettled by their ordeal. Some whispered prayers, while others anxiously asked for news about their missing colleagues. Medical and emergency teams provided immediate care and support to the traumatized crew members.
Ongoing Efforts
Firefighting operations on the vessel are still underway, with Coast Guard ships and salvage experts working to bring the situation under control and prevent further explosions or oil leaks. The ship continues to emit dense smoke, and authorities have advised other vessels in the area to keep a safe distance.
The Directorate General of Shipping remains in constant contact with all parties involved, ensuring regular updates and a unified emergency response. Saving lives and containing the fire and pollution remain the top priorities as the situation develops.
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