Cargo Ship Blaze Off Kerala Coast Leaves Four Crew Members Unaccounted For

Image Credits: Indian Coast Guard/X
A recent report from The Hindu highlights a significant maritime incident involving the MV Wan Hai 503, a container ship registered in Singapore. On June 9, 2025, this vessel caught fire approximately 78 nautical miles off the coast of Beypore in kerala.

The ship was en route from Colombo to Navi Mumbai and was loaded with over 650 containers while carrying a crew of 22. In the wake of the fire, which erupted below deck and triggered several explosions, officials confirmed that only four crew members remained unaccounted for after most abandoned ship using life rafts. Among those who escaped, five suffered injuries—two seriously burned.

As reported by disaster management sources, the blaze led to around 50 containers tumbling into the Arabian Sea, raising alarms about potential pollution and navigational hazards. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy quickly mobilized resources following a distress signal received at around 10:30 AM on monday.They dispatched INS Surat for rescue operations alongside aerial support from INS Garuda.

Image Credits: Indian Coast Guard/X
To assess the situation further, a Dornier aircraft was deployed by the Coast Guard while multiple ships—including sachet and Samudra Prahari—were sent to assist with rescue efforts. By early afternoon, reports indicated that flames were still raging aboard MV Wan hai 503 as thick smoke billowed into the air.

In an effort to aid those stranded at sea, two nearby merchant vessels were instructed to help retrieve crew members adrift in lifeboats; MV ONE MARVEL took on this duty specifically for rescuing sailors in distress.Shekhar Kuriakose from Kerala’s State Disaster Management Authority noted that local district collectors have been tasked with ensuring medical facilities are ready for injured personnel upon their return ashore. Emergency response teams across Kannur, Kozhikode, and Kochi have also been activated for immediate care.

Fast action by @IndiaCoastGuard followed an explosion on #Singapore flagged MV #WANHAI503 located about130 NM NW of #Kerala coast.
#ICG aircraft assessed conditions & deployed four ships for rescue.#MaritimeSafety #ICG #SearchAndRescue pic.twitter.com/xVPEShbU8h

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 9, 2025

Fishing boats along Malabar’s coastline received emergency alerts advising them to steer clear of affected waters. Coastal police mentioned they had yet to receive updates regarding ongoing rescue operations but had informed all relevant agencies about lost containers floating at sea.

Built two decades ago and measuring nearly 269 meters long with a width of over 32 meters—the vessel was cruising at roughly14 knots when it encountered trouble just before its scheduled arrival at Nhava Sheva port on June10th where it planned to transfer cargo onto another ship.

The Directorate of shipping has reached out to Wan Hai Lines—the owners—to ensure they engage professional salvors promptly as initial talks commenced with SMIT Salvage known for handling maritime crises effectively.

Image Credits: Indian Coast Guard/X
authorities are pressing ship owners for specifics regarding cargo within affected holds as it’s uncertain whether any hazardous materials contributed to this incident or subsequent explosions. Singapore’s Flag Management has also been notified officially about what transpired onboard.A spokesperson from defense emphasized ongoing risks associated with potential further explosions due to lingering flames aboard MV Wan Hai503; thus nearby vessels have been advised not only maintain distance but also reduce speed until conditions stabilize as efforts continue both towards rescuing missing crew members while managing onboard fires effectively.