Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

A fire on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship, MV Wan Hai 503, which broke out last week off the Kerala coast, is now partially under control, according to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

The fire started after an explosion in one of the containers aboard the vessel, which was traveling from Mumbai to Colombo. The latest update from June 17 shows that the flames and smoke intensity have reduced in most parts of the ship. The ship’s speed has also decreased, and it is now about 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. These are positive signs, but there are still concerns about persistent smoke from some sections, ongoing internal flare-ups that require constant firefighting, bad weather, and the absence of a second towline.

The weather at the site remains challenging, with strong westerly winds ranging from 29 to 34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots. There is also heavy rainfall and periods of zero visibility, all of which are making firefighting and rescue operations difficult.

Currently, the ship is connected to a tugboat named Offshore Warrior with a single towline. The DGS emphasized the need for a second towline, as the ship had already been under a lot of stress due to the fire and the rough sea conditions. While the ship is still operating within 90% of acceptable seagoing conditions, the DGS is focusing on checking the ship’s hull strength, particularly in areas exposed to high heat.

Plans are also being discussed for a “Port of Refuge” where the ship can be safely brought in. The most likely option is Jebel Ali in Dubai, but other ports in Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Qatar are also being considered. This decision will depend on the ship’s fire suppression status, structural safety checks, and regulatory approvals.

The report also mentioned that a body believed to be from the ship's crew has been found near the Kerala coast, but this is still being verified. Of the 22 crew members aboard, 18 were rescued, and four remain missing. Efforts are still ongoing to suppress the fire, ensure the structural safety of the ship, and safely move the vessel out of Indian waters under controlled tow.

The situation remains under close monitoring, and more updates are expected as the firefighting and relocation operations continue.