The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been notified by the Indian authorities that 18 crew were safely transferred from lifeboats to an Indian Navy ship, which is en route to New Mangalore Port.
Under-deck explosion
On June 9, 2025, a container vessel suffered a major under-deck explosion and fire approximately 44 nautical miles off the coast of Azhikkal, Kerala, while en route from Colombo to Mumbai.
Out of 22 crew members onboard, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Sadly, four remain missing, including nationals from Taiwan, Indonesia, and Myanmar. One crew member sustained serious injuries and has received medical care.
MPA expresses its appreciation to the Indian authorities for their swift response in recovering the 18 crew and for their support for the ongoing SAR operations. A team from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is en route to support the Indian authorities.
The vessel was carrying 157 containers, several of which held hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, and pesticides. These pose a potential threat to marine ecosystems, particularly during the current breeding season for sensitive species
Firefighting and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the vessel still adrift. Authorities continue to monitor for environmental contamination, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion and assess safety protocols.
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Source: MPA Singapore
