INS Surat Deployed After Fire Erupts On Singapore-Flagged Cargo Ship Off Kerala Coast

A major explosion and fire broke out aboard a Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, off the coast of Kerala on Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Initial reports of a possible explosion were later clarified as an underdeck fire by defence officials.

The 270-metre-long vessel, which had departed Colombo on June 7 and was en route to Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port, reported the incident around 10:30 AM through the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Mumbai, which relayed the alert to its counterpart in Kochi.

To assist with the emergency, the Indian Navy diverted INS Surat from its current deployment at 11:00 AM. A Dornier surveillance aircraft from INS Garuda in Kochi has also been dispatched to assess the situation and coordinate further rescue and relief efforts.

Out of the 22-member crew on board, 18 reportedly jumped overboard amid the fire, and rescue operations are currently underway. At least five crew members have sustained injuries, while four remain unaccounted for, according to officials. The fire also led to the loss of approximately 20 containers, some of which were seen falling into the sea following multiple loud blasts.

The Indian Coast Guard has deployed several assets to aid the operation, including CG Dornier aircraft and ships ICGS Rajdoot (from New Mangalore), ICGS Arnvesh (off Kochi), and ICGS Sachet (off Agatti). These vessels have been redirected to support firefighting, rescue, and environmental assessment efforts.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and authorities are continuing efforts to contain the blaze and account for all personnel.