Kochi (Kerala), June 10: A major fire broke out on MV WAN HAI 503, a Singapore-flagged container vessel, after an onboard explosion around 130 nautical miles northwest of the Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed multiple ships and aircraft for an urgent rescue and firefighting operation.
As per PRO Defence Kochi, ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Sachet are actively battling the flames, while ICGS Samarth is en route to bolster the efforts. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft is conducting continuous aerial surveillance.
In a post on X, PRO Defence Kochi shared an aerial image and wrote:
“Aerial view of ICGS #SamudraPrahari #Sachet in the area fighting fire. #Samarth will be joining shortly to augment the efforts. CG Dornier continues aerial surveillance.”
The explosion occurred on Monday, while the vessel was en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. The incident left four crew members missing and five injured, according to official Coast Guard sources. The ship had a crew of 22 on board and was carrying containerised cargo.
Following the blast, ICG units—including ICGS Rajdoot, ICGS Arnvesh, and ICGS Sachet—were diverted from their positions near New Mangalore, Kochi, and Agatti to support rescue and containment efforts.
An ICG aircraft assessed the fire zone and deployed air-droppable firefighting equipment.
“Quick response by Indian Coast Guard after explosion on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503… ICG aircraft assessed the scene & dropped air-droppable. 04 ICG ships diverted for rescue,” the ICG posted on X.
Fires and explosions were observed from the mid-ship section to the container bays ahead of the accommodation block. While the forward bay fire is under control, thick smoke continues to rise, and the vessel has developed a 10–15-degree list to port. Reports indicate that some containers have fallen overboard.
ICGS Samudra Prahari and Sachet are currently engaged in fire suppression and boundary cooling. Meanwhile, salvors and ICGS Samarth are being deployed from Kochi to aid the operation.
Authorities confirmed that further updates are awaited as the situation evolves.