Fire on Singapore-Flagged Cargo Ship Near Kerala Coast Partially Under Control, Says DGS

A significant fire that erupted on board the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala has been partially contained, according to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). The incident, which occurred on June 9, took place while the ship was traveling from Colombo to Mumbai and was carrying over 2,100 metric tons of fuel and 1,754 containers.

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Incident Overview

The fire reportedly began after an explosion in one of the container stacks. The vessel was located between 68 and 88 nautical miles off the coast near Kozhikode, Kerala, when the incident occurred. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion may have involved flammable or hazardous cargo.

Out of the 22 crew members aboard, 18 were successfully rescued by Indian Coast Guard and Navy teams. Four crew members—two Taiwanese, one Indonesian, and one from Myanmar—remain missing.

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Firefighting and Rescue Operations

Fire suppression efforts have been led by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, with additional support from private salvage teams and the Air Force. Specialized firefighting chemicals were deployed from aircraft to help bring the blaze under control. Although the external fire has largely been contained, smaller internal flare-ups continue in some compartments and near fuel tanks.

A tugboat named Offshore Warrior has managed to attach a tow line to the vessel, but towing efforts have been hampered by rough sea conditions and heavy winds. Authorities are working to secure a second tow line to ensure safer towing.

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Safety and Environmental Concerns

Officials report that the vessel is currently about 90% stable, and its overall structural integrity is being closely monitored. However, some containers have fallen overboard, and traces of fuel leakage have been found. To mitigate environmental risks, the Coast Guard has deployed oil spill containment booms and is on alert for potential marine pollution.

Given the proximity to India’s ecologically sensitive western coastline, authorities are working to ensure minimal environmental impact. So far, no major oil spill has been reported, but constant monitoring continues.

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Plans for Safe Harbor

The DGS is considering several safe harbors, including Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, as possible destinations for the ship once it is fully secured and the fire is completely extinguished. Alternate ports in Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Qatar are also under review.

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Legal and Investigative Action

The Fort Kochi coastal police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing negligence and unsafe transportation of hazardous materials. The FIR names the ship’s owner, captain, and crew.

A joint investigation team has been formed, including representatives from the DGS, Customs, the Indian Coast Guard, Kerala Police, and port authorities. The probe will focus on identifying the cause of the explosion, evaluating the response efforts, and ensuring compliance with cargo regulations.

The Directorate General of Shipping has also warned the ship’s owners and operators that criminal proceedings could be initiated if they are found to have delayed necessary safety measures or firefighting response.

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Future Steps and Risks

The situation remains delicate, with internal fires still posing a threat and container debris drifting at sea. Continued adverse weather conditions are making recovery and firefighting operations challenging. Environmental groups have also raised concerns, drawing comparisons to previous maritime incidents such as the MSC Elsa 3 disaster in May, which led to a significant oil spill.

Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of any remaining crew, complete fire suppression, and the protection of India’s maritime environment. Efforts to stabilize and tow the vessel, prevent further ecological damage, and hold responsible parties accountable are ongoing.