Despite the successful rescue operation, the situation remains precarious. The Indian Coast Guard has issued a warning regarding potential oil spills and debris in the waters off Kerala, as 50 containers were reported to have fallen into the sea from the burning ship, which contained 100 tonnes of bunker fuel. Concerns are rising as these containers drift towards the coast, potentially leading to ecological ramifications. This incident marks the second such occurrence in a short span, raising alarms about maritime safety and environmental risks in the region. The local government has already imposed fishing bans around the previous site of a shipwreck, highlighting the critical balance between maritime activities and ecological preservation along Kerala’s biodiverse coastline.
Cargo Ship Blaze Near Kerala Coast Leaves Four Crew Members Missing
Cargo Ship Blaze Near Kerala Coast Leaves Four Crew Members Missing
The MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, is engulfed in flames off the coast of Kerala, prompting intense rescue efforts from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
On Monday, a severe fire erupted aboard the MV Wan Hai 503 in the Arabian Sea while en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Mumbai, India. An internal explosion led to the blaze, resulting in a high-stakes rescue operation where 18 of the 22 crew members were saved, while four remain missing. The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority has confirmed the identities of the missing individuals, which include two Taiwanese nationals, one from Myanmar, and one from Indonesia. Singapore has deployed a team to assist with ongoing rescue efforts.
