Inferno on the Arabian Sea: Coast Guard Battles Blazing Container Giant off Kerala

A huge sea crisis is unfolding off the Kerala coast as the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ramps up operations to douse a huge fire on board the Singapore-registered container ship MV Wan Hai 503. The vessel, which had more than 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil, 240 tonnes of diesel, and hundreds of containers of dangerous and explosive goods, was engulfed in flames after a suspected explosion on Monday morning.

 

Major Developments

 

Massive Response: Five ICG ships, two Dornier planes, and one helicopter are carrying out extended firefighting and rescue efforts, supported by tugs and salvage units. The Indian Navy also diverted resources to assist the operation.

 

Firefighting Activity: Heavy firefighting efforts have been able to keep visible flames under control, especially at the bow, and salvage teams can now board and attach a tow line. Yet, the fire continues to burn inside the inner decks and the area around the fuel tanks, the threat of extension still being there.

 

Tow Operation Success: In a dramatic turn of events, the authorities were able to attach a tow line to the engulfed ship, and it is slowly being towed away from the Kerala coast to prevent environmental and navigational risks.

 

Rescue of Crew and Casualties: All 18 members of the rescued crew have been landed, two with burns in a hospital. Four crew members are missing and search and rescue efforts are still under way.

 

Hazardous Cargo Threat: Vessel manifest confirms the carriage of hazardous chemicals and explosives such as nitrocellulose amounting to 32.2 tonnes. International fire experts are en route to offer relief from the danger of further explosions or toxic discharge.

 

Drifting Containers: A number of dozens of containers, of which some are hazardous, have drifted overboard and are drifting southeast and are a navigational hazard. Recovery and threat mitigation efforts, including sinking the hazardous containers if required, are underway.

 

Environmental Concerns: With the vessel listing 10–15 degrees and continuing to emit toxic fumes, authorities are looking for environmental implications as the vessel departs Indian waters.

 

This is a big achievement in the salvage operation. We can only hope that the tow line is durable enough to take the strain and weight," a Kerala State Disaster Management Authority official said.

 

The scenario is fluid, with rescue and salvage operations set to continue for days as foreign specialists are airlifted in and the authorities work to prevent an environmental disaster. 

 

Source: Reuters, Onmanorama, The New Indian Express, The Week, Times of India.