09-06-2025
Major fire on Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 off India's Kerala coasts
Published June 9th, 2025 - 03:38 GMT The vessel is currently making its way toward New Mangalore Port for the disembarkation and medical treatment of the survivors.
ALBAWABA- A massive firefighting and rescue operation is underway after a devastating fire broke out on the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, approximately 78 nautical miles off Beypore, Kerala, following an under-deck explosion.
The vessel, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, was carrying around 650 containers and manned by 22 crew members of mixed nationalities, eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesians.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched an urgent and closely coordinated search-and-rescue mission after inputs were received at the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC IOR) around 09:30 hrs on 9 June 2025. — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 9, 2025
INS Surat and a Dornier surveillance aircraft were rapidly deployed. By 16:30 hrs, 18 crew members had been safely rescued by the Surat, and immediate first aid was administered to the injured.
The vessel is currently making its way toward New Mangalore Port for the disembarkation and medical treatment of the survivors.
Four crew members remain missing, two Taiwanese, one Myanmarese, and one Indonesian, as dense smoke continues to billow from the ship, raising serious concerns over potential secondary explosions.
The Indian Coast Guard has mobilized multiple assets to contain the blaze and safeguard surrounding marine areas, while environmental protection measures are being initiated to mitigate any ecological fallout.
#WATCH | Indian Navy, in a closely coordinated search and rescue operation with the Coast Guard, DG Shipping and other stakeholders, has safely rescued 18 out of 22 crew members of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503. The MV had reported an internal container explosion and a… — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025
The Singapore Flag Administration and India's Directorate General of Shipping have been formally notified of the incident. Authorities affirm that the situation remains critical but under intense surveillance and control, with all efforts directed toward stabilizing the vessel, locating the missing crew, and averting further disaster at sea.
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