Massive Fire and Explosions Aboard Cargo Ship off Kerala Coast: Rescue Operations Underway
By WorldNow International News Desk | June 9, 2025
KERALA, INDIA — A Singapore-flagged cargo ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire following multiple explosions onboard in the Arabian Sea, approximately 78 to 90 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has prompted a large-scale rescue and environmental response operation by Indian maritime authorities.
Incident Details
The 270-meter-long vessel was transiting Indian waters when explosions erupted from its underdeck compartments, triggering a significant fire. The vessel was carrying nearly 650 containers at the time of the incident, and around 40 containers reportedly fell overboard into the sea. The exact nature of the cargo is still being assessed, with concerns raised about potential hazardous materials.
Crew Rescue Efforts
Of the 22 crew members on board:
18 crew members were rescued by nearby merchant vessels MV One Marvel and MV Ambra and are now safe.
4 crew members remain missing. The missing individuals include two Taiwanese nationals, one Indonesian, and one Myanmar national.
At least five crew members sustained injuries, with two in serious condition due to burn injuries.
Indian authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing seafarers. Aerial surveillance is being conducted by a Dornier aircraft from INS Garuda in Kochi, while multiple Indian Coast Guard and Navy ships are assisting in the mission at sea.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard Mobilized
The Indian Navy diverted INS Surat, a frontline vessel, to the scene as part of its immediate response. Indian Coast Guard ships and high-speed interceptor boats are supporting firefighting, rescue, and containment efforts. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) in Mumbai and Kochi are coordinating the overall operation.
Environmental Concerns
Authorities are closely monitoring the waters off the Kerala coast, particularly near Kannur, for signs of chemical contamination or marine pollution. Seawater samples are being collected, and precautionary alerts have been issued to fishing and maritime communities in the area. Officials fear that the fallen containers could pose a navigational hazard or contain dangerous materials.
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board, along with the Indian Ministry of Shipping and local environmental agencies, is involved in assessing the potential ecological damage.
Vessel Status
MV Wan Hai 503 remains afloat but disabled and continues to burn. Firefighting efforts are ongoing. No signs of capsizing or oil spillage have been reported so far.
Investigations and Next Steps
While the cause of the explosions remains under investigation, the incident has raised concerns about cargo safety and maritime regulatory standards. Singaporean authorities, along with their Indian counterparts, are expected to initiate a joint inquiry once the situation stabilizes.
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Summary
Location: Arabian Sea, off the Kerala coast (78–90 nautical miles from shore)
Vessel: MV Wan Hai 503, Singapore-flagged container ship
Casualties: 4 missing, at least 5 injured
Cargo loss: 40 containers overboard
Response: Indian Navy, Coast Guard, nearby merchant ships
Environmental threat: Under assessment
This developing story continues to unfold. WorldNow will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
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Sources: Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Kerala Pollution Control Board, Associated Press, Times of India, The Economic Times
For further information and live maritime tracking updates, stay tuned to WorldNow International.
