Explosion on Singapore-Flagged Ship Off Kerala Coast

An underdeck explosion aboard a Singapore-flagged container ship, MV Wan Hai 503, triggered a major maritime emergency off the Kerala coast on Monday morning. The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m., as the vessel was en route from Colombo to Mumbai, prompting a swift response from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

According to a statement from the Defence PRO, the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Mumbai alerted its Kochi counterpart of the blast shortly after it was reported. The ship, 270 metres long and with a draught of 12.5 metres, had departed Colombo on June 7 and was expected to dock in Mumbai by June 10.

Immediate Naval Response

In response to the distress signal, the Indian Navy diverted INS Surat, which had been on its way to dock in Kochi. The vessel was ordered to assist at 11 a.m. by the Western Naval Command. Additionally, the Navy has planned a Dornier aircraft sortie from INS Garuda (Kochi) to conduct aerial reconnaissance and provide coordination support for the ongoing rescue operation.

Crew Evacuation and Fire Onboard

The Defence PRO confirmed that of the 22 crew members onboard, 18 had abandoned ship using a lifeboat and were being rescued by Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels. The ship remains on fire and is currently adrift in the Arabian Sea.

Rescue and firefighting operations are continuing, as authorities work to secure the vessel and locate the remaining crew members.

Explosion Details and Vessel Status

While the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, it occurred under the deck, raising concerns over the structural integrity of the vessel and potential environmental hazards. The ship is reported to be carrying cargo containers, the contents of which are yet to be disclosed.

There is heightened concern over the risk of oil spills or chemical leakage, given the vessel’s large size and operational status.

Senior naval officials and the Ministry of Defence are monitoring the situation closely. The Indian Coast Guard, which has dispatched multiple assets including rescue boats and interceptor crafts, is coordinating with the Navy to control the fire and assist in the safe evacuation and towing of the vessel.

Local port authorities in Kochi and Mumbai have also been alerted and are preparing to offer logistical and medical assistance as required.

Singapore ship explosion, MV Wan Hai 503 fire, Kerala ship fire, Navy rescue operation, Indian Coast Guard, explosion at sea India, maritime emergency June 2025, Kochi naval update, container ship on fire, Arabian Sea rescue news

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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