Fire & Explosion Rock Container Ship Off Kerala Coast: Update

A major maritime emergency unfolded on June 9 when an explosion occurred aboard the Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-registered container vessel, as it traveled through the Arabian Sea roughly 130 nautical miles northwest of Kerala, India.

Explosion Triggers Swift Naval Response

The incident began around 10:30 AM local time, with the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai receiving the initial report and alerting authorities in Kochi. The Indian Navy quickly deployed INS Surat to provide immediate assistance to the ship in distress.

According to the Indian Coast Guard’s Public Relations Officer, the Wan Hai 503 was transporting containerized cargo with a total crew of 22 on board. Eighteen of those crew members were rescued from lifeboats, though five sustained injuries. Tragically, four individuals remain unaccounted for. The vessel is currently ablaze and drifting, with around 40 containers already lost to the sea.

Fire Spreads, Ship Listing to Port

In an update from the Coast Guard, flames and additional blasts continue to erupt between the midship and the area just ahead of the living quarters. While the fire in the forward container bay has been somewhat contained, dense smoke is severely reducing visibility. The vessel has developed a portside list estimated between 10 and 15 degrees. Additional container losses have also been confirmed.

Coast Guard Launches Extensive Rescue Effort

Several Indian Coast Guard vessels—including the Rajdoot, Arnvesh, and Sachet—were redirected from their regular patrols to aid in the emergency operation. A Dornier surveillance aircraft was also dispatched to monitor the situation from the air and support ongoing efforts at the scene.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as authorities work to contain the fire, locate the missing crew members, and stabilize the stricken ship.