ICGS Samudra Prahari, Sachet fight fire on Singapore-flagged vessel, Samarth to join soon

ANI June 10, 2025 413 views

Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet are leading firefighting efforts after an explosion on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503. Four crew members are missing, and five are injured as thick smoke engulfs the vessel. ICGS Samarth is en route to assist, while a Dornier aircraft monitors the situation. The vessel remains partially stable but continues to list with containers lost overboard.

"Quick response by India Coast Guard after explosion on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503" – Indian Coast Guard
Kochi, June 10: Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet are fighting a fire off the Kerala coast where the Singapore-flagged vessel caught fire after an explosion on Monday.

Key Points

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ICGS Samudra Prahari and Sachet battling container fire

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Four crew missing, five injured after explosion

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CG Dornier aircraft aiding aerial surveillance

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ICGS Samarth en route to reinforce rescue efforts

According to the statement shared by PRO Defence Kochi, the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft is conducting aerial surveillance to assess the situation, and the ICGS Samarth is expected to join the efforts shortly to augment them.

https://x.com/DefencePROkochi/status/1932337838554837317

In a post on X, PRO Defence Kochi wrote, "Aerial view of ICGS #SamudraPrahari #Sachet in the area fighting fire. #Samarth will be joining shortly to augment the efforts. CG Dornier continues aerial surveillance."

Earlier today, four crew members were reported missing and five injured after an explosion under deck was reported onboard MV WAN HAI 503 while it was on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. Indian Coast Guard ships have been deployed for firefighting and rescue operations.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, following the explosion on Monday, four crew members were reported missing, and five others sustained injuries. The vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had a total crew 22 onboard. CGDO on task diverted for assessment

Indian Coast Guard units were immediately diverted for assessment and assistance. ICGS Rajdoot off New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh off Kochi, and ICGS Sachet off Agatti have been diverted for assistance.

In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said an ICG aircraft assessed the scene and dropped an air-droppable.

"Quick response by India Coast Guard after explosion on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503, 130 NM NW of Kerala coast. ICG aircraft assessed the scene & dropped air-droppable. 04 ICG ships diverted for rescue."

Fires and explosions have been reported from mid-ships to the container bay ahead of the accommodation block. The forward-bay fire is under control, but thick smoke continues to be observed. The vessel is listing approximately 10-15 degrees to port, and additional containers have been reported overboard.

Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet are conducting fire-fighting operations and boundary cooling, while ICG ship Samarth, along with salvors, is being deployed from Kochi.

Further updates will follow, the Coast Guard PRO added.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Proud of our Coast Guard's swift response! 👏 This shows why we need to keep investing in our maritime security forces. Hope the missing crew members are found safe soon. #BharatFirst
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Priya M.
The coordination between multiple ICG ships and aircraft is impressive. But shouldn't we also have more firefighting equipment stationed along our busy shipping routes? Safety first!
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Arjun S.
Our Coast Guard deserves more recognition for such operations. Meanwhile, I hope Singapore authorities are equally grateful for India's help. International cooperation is key in maritime emergencies.
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Sunita R.
The environmental impact worries me - containers overboard and thick smoke. Kerala's coast is ecologically sensitive. Hope ICG has containment measures in place. Otherwise, great job by our forces! 🌊
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Vikram J.
This is why we need more indigenous ships like Samarth. Less dependency on foreign equipment. Make in India should extend to our defense forces too. Jai Hind!
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Neha P.
My cousin serves in the Coast Guard. People don't realize how dangerous these operations are - fire at sea with limited resources. Salute to their bravery! 🙏 Hope the injured crew recover soon.

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Indian Coast Guard Samudra Prahari Sachet Samarth MV WAN HAI 503 Kerala coast maritime rescue