The Indian Coast Guard is engaged in a challenging operation off the coast of Kerala, where a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, the MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire after reporting an internal explosion on Monday. The vessel was in transit from Sri Lanka's Colombo to Mumbai, India, when the incident occurred. Firefighters from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard continue to battle the flames as smoke billows from the ship.
Initial reports reveal that 18 of the ship's 22 crew members were rescued shortly after the fire broke out, with reports noting that some required medical treatment for their injuries sustained during the evacuation. However, concerns remain as four crew members are still unaccounted for—two from Taiwan, one from Myanmar, and one from Indonesia. Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority has mobilized a team to assist with the search and rescue mission, intensifying international efforts to locate the missing individuals.
As the rescue operations unfold, environmental ramifications are becoming a pressing concern. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued warnings regarding potential oil spills and debris from the vessel, which was carrying 100 tonnes of bunker oil. Kerala Ports Minister VN Vasavan reported that fifty containers from the ship had fallen into the sea, raising alarms about the drifting containers and their possible effects on the delicate coastal ecosystem of Kerala, known for its rich biodiversity and tourism industry.
This incident is notably the second maritime disaster in close proximity to Kerala's coastline within a span of three weeks. Last month, another vessel—a Liberian-flagged ship—sank while carrying oil and hazardous materials, resulting in an environmental crisis. In reaction to that incident, the state government imposed a fishing ban within a 20-nautical mile radius of the wreck and promised compensation to families in affected fishing communities across four districts.
As the situation evolves, the local and international communities remain vigilant, with a focus on safeguarding marine life and supporting those affected by the ongoing maritime incidents along the Kerala coast.
