Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire off the Kerala coast partially contained, says DGS
A DGS report described the situation as of June 17 and noted a significant decrease in visible flames and smoke intensity across most areas of the vessel, which caught fire following an explosion in one of its containers. The ship was en route from Mumbai to Colombo.
The report also highlighted several positive developments, including the vessel's reduced pace, its offshore course, and its current location approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. However, it also pointed out ongoing concerns such as persistent smoke from specific sections of the ship, a history of internal flare-ups requiring continuous firefighting efforts, unfavorable weather conditions, and the lack of a secondary towline.
The DGS stated, 'Weather at the site remains adverse, with westerly winds between 29–34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility, all of which are significantly impeding firefighting and boarding operations.'
It added setting up a second towline was important considering the dynamic sea state and the structural stresses already gone by the vessel, further stating the ship remains connected via a single towline to a tugboat -- Offshore Warrior.
The DGS report also noted that stability assessments indicate the vessel was operating within 90% of the acceptable seagoing parameters. However, focused evaluations of hull strength, particularly in areas exposed to high heat remain a key priority.
Additionally, it mentioned that contingency discussions are underway regarding a potential Port of Refuge, with Jebel Ali in Dubai being the primary option. This is contingent on full fire suppression, verification of the vessel's structural integrity, and obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.
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The Hindu
21 hours ago
- The Hindu
Smouldering Wan Hai 503 still adrift without a port of refuge
Nearly a month after the Singapore-flagged vessel Wan Hai 503 caught fire off the coast of Kerala, the vessel continues to be adrift, emitting fire and smoke and weathering stormy weather and rain in the Arabian Sea. Though the vessel is adrift approximately 130 nautical miles off the Indian coastline, outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary, the vessel continues to remain on a high-density shipping corridor, necessitating continuous traffic warnings to passing vessels. Plan not submitted An assessment conducted by the salvage team (T&T Salvage) stressed the need for a port of refuge, as removing fuel from the vessel offshore still remains unsafe. However, the owner and salvors of the ship are yet to submit a detailed plan to the Indian authorities for fuel transfer and moving the vessel to a port of refuge. If there's a delay in the salvage operation, the vessel has to be towed further south of its current position, around 200 nautical miles away from the Indian coast, according to the report of the Directorate General of Shipping. It is also necessary that the onboard fire has to be fully contained before it reaches the port of refuge. As per the latest report, the temperature on the left and right of the vessel was 64°C and 68°C, respectively. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior shipping crew said the weather in the Arabian Sea is the major hindrance to the containment of fire and smoke. The squally weather with wind, occasionally gusting to 100 km/hour, adds fuel to the fire. Further, it is not possible to apply fire extinguisher from the top of the ship since choppers can carry only a limited quantity. A good number of containers have undeclared cargo, which adds to the woes of the firefighters, he said. 'The best option' Once fire spreads to petrochemical products, it is difficult to contain it, said Sekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. The monsoon rain will not help contain the fire. 'The best option is to find a port of refuge at the earliest before the hull disintegrates. Considering the current position of the ship, navigating it to the coast of Africa would be ideal,' said Mr. Kuriakose. It was on June 9 that the Singapore-flagged vessel witnessed container explosions causing a significant onboard fire, around 44 nautical miles from Azhikkal. The entire vessel was engulfed by the fire.
Mint
18-06-2025
- Mint
Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire off the Kerala coast partially contained, says DGS
The Directorate General of Shipping on Wednesday said the blaze aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire on June 9 off the Kerala coast, is partially under control. A DGS report described the situation as of June 17 and noted a significant decrease in visible flames and smoke intensity across most areas of the vessel, which caught fire following an explosion in one of its containers. The ship was en route from Mumbai to Colombo. The report also highlighted several positive developments, including the vessel's reduced pace, its offshore course, and its current location approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. However, it also pointed out ongoing concerns such as persistent smoke from specific sections of the ship, a history of internal flare-ups requiring continuous firefighting efforts, unfavorable weather conditions, and the lack of a secondary towline. The DGS stated, 'Weather at the site remains adverse, with westerly winds between 29–34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility, all of which are significantly impeding firefighting and boarding operations.' It added setting up a second towline was important considering the dynamic sea state and the structural stresses already gone by the vessel, further stating the ship remains connected via a single towline to a tugboat -- Offshore Warrior. The DGS report also noted that stability assessments indicate the vessel was operating within 90% of the acceptable seagoing parameters. However, focused evaluations of hull strength, particularly in areas exposed to high heat remain a key priority. Additionally, it mentioned that contingency discussions are underway regarding a potential Port of Refuge, with Jebel Ali in Dubai being the primary option. This is contingent on full fire suppression, verification of the vessel's structural integrity, and obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Navy's daring mid-sea rescue stabilises drifting cargo vessel off Kerala coast amid raging fire, high seas
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