[Watch] Massive Fire Breaks Out on Singapore-Flagged Cargo Ship, 4 Crew Missing

By
Mfame Editor
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14

  • A major fire broke out aboard a container vessel off Kerala’s Beypore coast, causing multiple explosions and cargo loss into the sea.
  • 18 out of 22 crew members abandoned the vessel; five were injured and four remain missing. Rescue operations are in progress.
  • Over 50 containers fell into the Arabian Sea, triggering navigation alerts and environmental concerns.

In the early morning hours of June 9, a fire erupted aboard a container vessel approximately 78 nautical miles off the Beypore coast in Kerala. The ship was traveling from Colombo to Navi Mumbai with over 650 containers and 22 crew members onboard.

Emergency Evacuation and Injuries

As the fire escalated, 18 crew members evacuated using lifeboats and rafts. Among the rescued, five sustained injuries, including two who suffered severe burns. Four crew members are still unaccounted for. Most of the crew members are believed to be of Taiwanese nationality.

Explosions and Cargo Overboard

The fire originated below deck and led to several explosions. As the situation worsened, approximately 50 containers fell into the Arabian Sea. This has raised serious concerns about marine pollution and navigational hazards in the area. Authorities are investigating the contents of the lost and affected containers.

Coordinated Rescue Operation

After receiving a distress signal around 10:30 a.m., Indian naval and coast guard forces launched a joint emergency response. A naval warship was diverted, and aerial support was readied from Kochi. The coast guard mobilised multiple ships and surveillance aircraft to reach the vessel and assist in rescue and firefighting efforts.

Merchant Ship Assistance and Medical Preparations

Two nearby merchant vessels were redirected to aid in the rescue, with one picking up survivors from lifeboats. Meanwhile, state authorities have activated emergency medical and support units in Kannur, Kozhikode, and Kochi. District collectors in Kozhikode and Ernakulam were instructed to prepare for receiving and treating the injured.

Safety Warnings and Environmental Risk

Fishing boats along the Malabar coast have been advised to steer clear of the affected area. Maritime security agencies were alerted about the containers adrift in the sea. As of 2 p.m., the vessel remained on fire and adrift, with thick smoke visible from afar. Pollution control ships were among the first responders, taking precautionary steps to mitigate the risk of oil spills or chemical discharge.

Vessel Details and Ongoing Investigation

The container vessel, built 20 years ago, measures nearly 269 meters in length and was cruising at 14 knots. It was scheduled to reach the port near Mumbai on June 10 for cargo transfer. Authorities have directed the vessel’s owners to provide detailed cargo information, especially regarding any hazardous materials that might have contributed to the fire or explosions. The flag state’s maritime administration has also been officially informed.

Naval and coast guard vessels are expected to reach the site by late afternoon, and ships in the vicinity have been instructed to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed.

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Source: Marine Insight