Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire off the Kerala coast partially contained, says DGS
The Directorate General of Shipping on Wednesday said the blaze aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire on June 9 off the Kerala coast, is partially under control.
A DGS report described the situation as of June 17 and noted a significant decrease in visible flames and smoke intensity across most areas of the vessel, which caught fire following an explosion in one of its containers. The ship was en route from Mumbai to Colombo.
The report also highlighted several positive developments, including the vessel's reduced pace, its offshore course, and its current location approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. However, it also pointed out ongoing concerns such as persistent smoke from specific sections of the ship, a history of internal flare-ups requiring continuous firefighting efforts, unfavorable weather conditions, and the lack of a secondary towline.
The DGS stated, 'Weather at the site remains adverse, with westerly winds between 29–34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility, all of which are significantly impeding firefighting and boarding operations.'
It added setting up a second towline was important considering the dynamic sea state and the structural stresses already gone by the vessel, further stating the ship remains connected via a single towline to a tugboat -- Offshore Warrior.
The DGS report also noted that stability assessments indicate the vessel was operating within 90% of the acceptable seagoing parameters. However, focused evaluations of hull strength, particularly in areas exposed to high heat remain a key priority.
Additionally, it mentioned that contingency discussions are underway regarding a potential Port of Refuge, with Jebel Ali in Dubai being the primary option. This is contingent on full fire suppression, verification of the vessel's structural integrity, and obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.
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Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire off the Kerala coast partially contained, says DGS
The Directorate General of Shipping on Wednesday said the blaze aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire on June 9 off the Kerala coast, is partially under control. A DGS report described the situation as of June 17 and noted a significant decrease in visible flames and smoke intensity across most areas of the vessel, which caught fire following an explosion in one of its containers. The ship was en route from Mumbai to Colombo. The report also highlighted several positive developments, including the vessel's reduced pace, its offshore course, and its current location approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. However, it also pointed out ongoing concerns such as persistent smoke from specific sections of the ship, a history of internal flare-ups requiring continuous firefighting efforts, unfavorable weather conditions, and the lack of a secondary towline. The DGS stated, 'Weather at the site remains adverse, with westerly winds between 29–34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility, all of which are significantly impeding firefighting and boarding operations.' It added setting up a second towline was important considering the dynamic sea state and the structural stresses already gone by the vessel, further stating the ship remains connected via a single towline to a tugboat -- Offshore Warrior. The DGS report also noted that stability assessments indicate the vessel was operating within 90% of the acceptable seagoing parameters. However, focused evaluations of hull strength, particularly in areas exposed to high heat remain a key priority. Additionally, it mentioned that contingency discussions are underway regarding a potential Port of Refuge, with Jebel Ali in Dubai being the primary option. This is contingent on full fire suppression, verification of the vessel's structural integrity, and obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- New Indian Express
Navy's daring mid-sea rescue stabilises drifting cargo vessel off Kerala coast amid raging fire, high seas
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New Indian Express
14-06-2025
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Wan Hai 503 drifting towards Kerala coast
KOCHI: Despite the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard and salvage team, container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 has been drifting towards Kerala's coast in the past two days. The state government has begun preparations to meet any emergency situation should the ship reach the Kerala coast. As the towline tied by Indian Coast Guard snapped on Thursday evening, the Indian Navy entered the scene and tied another towline on Friday. The vessel is currently located 28 nautical miles off Kochi coast and is drifting at a speed of 1.5 knots. The Navy, Coast Guard and salvors are toiling hard braving adverse weather conditions to tow the vessel to the deep sea. On Friday, the Navy diverted INS Sharda to join the fire-fighting operations and deployed a Seaking helicopter to help the salvage team tie the towline. Fighting heavy wind and rough sea, the helicopter winched down the salvage team on board the vessel to connect the tow line. Tug Ocean Warrior, engaged by the salvage team, is trying to keep the distressed vessel stable despite a 15 degree list on the portside. After a five-day daring firefighting operation, the Coast Guard succeeded in dousing the fire on board Wan Hai 503 on Friday afternoon. However, thick smoke continued billow from the cargo hold. The Director General of Shipping (DGS) has mobilised 5,000 kg of dry chemical powder to aid firefighting. An additional 20,000 litres of fire fighting foam is being brought from Mumbai, and additional tug has been diverted to the location to aid with the towing.
