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Key Points

The Indian Coast Guard is battling thick smoke after a fire broke out on the Singapore-flagged container ship MV WAN HAI 503 off the Kerala coast. Eighteen crew members have been rescued, but four remain missing following the explosion. The Chinese Embassy expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for their swift rescue efforts, as some crew members were Chinese and Taiwanese. Two of the rescued crew members suffered critical burns and are receiving medical treatment.

Key Points: Indian Coast Guard Battles Fire on Singapore Ship MV WAN HAI 503 Off Kerala

  • Indian Coast Guard rescues 18 crew members from burning ship
  • Four crew members still missing after explosion
  • Chinese Embassy thanks Indian Navy for rescue efforts
  • Two injured crew members suffer critical burns
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard battles thick smoke after fire breaks out on Singapore-flagged container ship

Indian Coast Guard fights thick smoke after fire breaks out on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503, rescuing 18 crew members with 4 still missing.

"Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV WAN HAI 503 under control off Kerala coast. – Indian Coast Guard"

Kochi, June 11

Indian Coast Guard ships on Wednesday continued to battle thick smoke after a massive blaze broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV WAN HAI 503 off the Kerala coast.

Thick plumes of smoke continue to billow from the ship, complicating efforts to douse the flames.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the flames on the container ship were reduced, as thick smoke continued to emanate.

It said attempts were being made to control the vessel fire that injured several crew members. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four are still missing.

"Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV WAN HAI 503 under control off Kerala coast. Visible flames have reduced, and thick smoke continues to emanate as of 1700 hours today," the Indian Coast Guard said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue of its crew members onboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Kerala's Azhikkal.

According to Yu Jing, Chinese and Taiwanese crew members were among those onboard MV Wan Hai. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson wished for successful search operations and speedy recovery for injured crew members.

"On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy @indiannavy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members a speedy recovery," Yu Jing posted on X.

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

Of the 18 rescued crew members of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, six were brought to the AJ Hospital for medical treatment post-midnight on Tuesday. Dinesh Kadam, Plastic Surgeon at AJ Hospital, said that two rescuees had critical injuries with 35 to 40 per cent burns.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Salute to our Coast Guard and Navy for their swift action! 👏 It's heartwarming to see India's maritime forces working so professionally, especially in rescuing foreign nationals. Hope the missing crew members are found soon. #IndianCoastGuard
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Rahul M.
Why are we risking our resources for a Singapore ship? Shouldn't their own navy handle this? Though I appreciate our forces' bravery, we must think about costs too. Our fishermen get no such attention when in distress.
A
Ananya S.
The Chinese embassy's gratitude shows how India is emerging as a responsible maritime power. This is soft diplomacy at work! But I'm concerned about the environmental impact - hope the smoke doesn't affect Kerala's coastline. 🌊
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Kochi, I saw the smoke from shore yesterday. Terrifying sight! Our fishermen helped in initial rescue before Navy arrived. Proud of how everyone came together - this is India's true strength.
S
Sunita P.
Those poor injured crew members! 😔 The burns sound horrific. AJ Hospital has good facilities but I hope they're getting psychological support too. Maritime accidents are traumatic beyond physical injuries.
K
Karthik N.
Important to note the ship had Taiwanese crew too. China's statement carefully included them as "Chinese from Taiwan". Interesting geopolitical angle amidst this tragedy. Hope politics doesn't overshadow humanitarian efforts.

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