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Key Points

A Singapore-flagged container ship experienced a sudden underdeck explosion while traveling from Colombo to Mumbai. The Indian Coast Guard swiftly responded, diverting multiple vessels and aircraft to conduct rescue operations. Of the 22 crew members onboard, 18 have been rescued, with one seriously injured and four currently missing. The incident highlights the critical role of maritime emergency response teams in ensuring crew safety during maritime incidents.

Key Points: Singapore Ship Explosion Off Kerala Coast Triggers Rescue Mission

  • Vessel carrying 22 crew members experiences maritime emergency
  • Indian Coast Guard coordinates extensive rescue efforts
  • 18 crew members rescued, 4 still missing
  • Multiple maritime assets deployed for assistance
2 min read

Explosion reported on Singapore-flagged container ship off Kerala coast, Indian Coast Guard responds with assistance

Singapore vessel MV WAN HAI 503 experiences critical underdeck explosion, Indian Coast Guard launches extensive maritime rescue operation

"MV WAN HAI 503 on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva reported an explosion under deck - Indian Coast Guard PRO"

Kochi, June 9

A Singapore-flagged container ship, MV WAN HAI 503, which was on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, reported an underdeck explosion in position 315, Kochi 130, according to the Indian Coast Guard PRO.

As per the information, five crew members have been injured, whereas four have gone missing. The ship was carrying a total of 22 crew members, and the CGDO who was on the task has been diverted for further assessment.

At around 9:30 am, the Indian Coast Guard received a distress alert from the Singapore-flagged container vessel. The vessel had departed the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, with 22 crew onboard on 06 Jun 25, for the Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai, India, with an estimated time of arrival of 09 Jun 25.

ICG assets were diverted immediately and are coordinating rescue operations for the crew. ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai, diverted MV One Marvel, which recovered 18 of the crew. Of the 18 crew rescued, one is reported to have sustained serious injuries. Four crew members (02 Taiwanese, 01 Indonesian and 01 Myanmarese) are missing from the time of the explosion, and their search is in progress. ICG Dornier aircraft is maintaining overhead the vessel for real-time assessment

The vessel is presently adrift, and firefighting efforts by the Indian Coast Guard have commenced to bring the situation under control.

ICGS Rajdoot off New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh off Kochi and ICGS Sachet off Agatti have also been diverted for assistance.

"MV WAN HAI 503 on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva reported an explosion under deck in position 315, Kochi 130. 04 crew reported missing and 05 crew injured. The ship was carrying containerised cargo with a total crew of 22. CGDO on task diverted for assessment. ICGS Rajdoot off New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh off Kochi & ICGS Sachet off Agatti diverted for assistance", the Indian Coast Guard PRO said in its statement.

The Indian Navy also diverted INS Surat, which was scheduled to enter Kochi, was diverted by the Western Naval Command to assist the distressed vessel.

Earlier, it was reported that a cargo ship caught fire off the coast of Beypore in Kozhikode on Monday. The vessel was a Singapore-flagged container ship, which is 270 m long with a draught of 12.5 m, according to the statement by the Coast Guard PRO.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Salute to our Coast Guard for quick response! 🇮🇳 Hope the missing crew members are found safe soon. This shows why we need strong maritime security - our waters see so much international traffic. Prayers for all affected.
A
Amit S.
Second incident near Kerala coast this week? Need thorough investigation - was it accident or something else? Our agencies should check cargo details carefully. Safety of Indian waters must be top priority.
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Rahul V.
Good coordination between Navy and Coast Guard! But why no Indian crew on Singapore ship? Our maritime industry should push for more employment opportunities for Indian sailors. #MakeInIndia should apply to shipping too.
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Sneha M.
Heartbreaking news 😢 The families of missing crew must be so worried. Hope Taiwan, Indonesia and Myanmar governments are coordinating with India. Such incidents show how connected our region is through sea routes.
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Vikram J.
While rescue efforts are commendable, we need better port infrastructure in South India to handle emergencies. Kochi port should have more advanced firefighting capabilities. This is wake-up call for maritime safety investments.
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Neha P.
The ship was coming from Colombo to Mumbai via Kochi - shows importance of Indian Ocean trade routes. Hope investigation reveals cause of explosion soon. Our agencies should share findings with Singapore and other countries transparently.

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