Explosions, fire onboard Singapore ship trigger massive rescue effort off Kerala coast

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have launched a large-scale rescue operation to save the 22-strong crew.

A Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, was left adrift and ablaze off the Kerala coast on Monday after multiple explosions and a major fire broke out onboard, forcing 18 crew members to abandon ship. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have launched a large-scale rescue operation to save the 22-strong crew, with several already in lifeboats awaiting evacuation, according to an Onmanorama report.

The 270-metre-long vessel, which departed Colombo on 7 June and was en route to Mumbai, reported an underdeck explosion around 10.30 am, according to the Defence PRO in Kochi. The Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Mumbai alerted its Kochi counterpart, prompting an immediate emergency response.

The Indian Navy diverted destroyer INS Surat, originally bound for Kochi, to assist the stricken vessel, while three Coast Guard interceptor boats rushed from Kochi and additional units were dispatched from Beypore. Rescue boats are expected to reach the scene by 4 pm, a Coast Guard source was quoted by Onmanorama. A Navy Dornier aircraft from INS Garuda is also being prepared for aerial reconnaissance.

At least 20 containers were reported to have fallen into the sea following the explosions. The ship, carrying a draught of 12.5 metres, remains on fire and uncontrolled, drifting approximately 78 nautical miles off Beypore.

As per Onmanorama, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the District Collectors of Ernakulam and Kozhikode to prepare emergency medical facilities in case rescued crew members are brought ashore.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion or the extent of damage. The incident marks another challenge for maritime safety in the region, with coordination between the Navy and Coast Guard now focused on preventing further casualties.