A catastrophic fire erupted on the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala on Monday, June 9, 2025. The incident, which began with a powerful explosion approximately 44 nautical miles from Azhikkal, Kannur, has led to a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation.
Explosion Triggers Blaze
The explosion occurred in the forward cargo hold of the vessel, causing a massive fire that rapidly spread across the ship. Thick black smoke billowed from the MV Wan Hai 503, which was en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai. The explosion resulted in several containers being dislodged and falling into the sea.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy swiftly mobilized to respond to the distress signal received at approximately 09:30 IST. The ICG deployed multiple vessels, including ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Sachet, to combat the fire and cool the ship’s hull. Additionally, ICGS Samarth was dispatched with rescue teams from Kochi.
INS Surat played a crucial role in rescuing the 18 crew members who had abandoned ship using life rafts. The survivors were brought safely to New Mangalore Port by Monday evening. Unfortunately, four crew members remain missing, and search operations continue.
Ongoing Firefighting Operations
As of Tuesday, the fire in the forward bay of the ship is under control, though thick smoke continues to emanate. The vessel is listing approximately 10–15 degrees to port, and additional containers have reportedly fallen into the sea. ICG vessels continue to battle the blaze and cool the ship’s boundary to prevent further escalation.
Environmental Concerns
The presence of hazardous materials among the ship’s cargo raises concerns about potential environmental hazards. The ICG has activated pollution response mechanisms to mitigate any adverse effects on the marine environment.
Conclusion
The MV Wan Hai 503 fire incident underscores the challenges faced in maritime safety and emergency response. The coordinated efforts of the Indian Coast Guard and Navy have been instrumental in rescuing the crew and containing the fire. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing efforts to locate the missing crew members and address environmental concerns.
