Firefighting efforts on Wan Hai 503, search for missing crew

Wan Hai 503 (Photo: Indian Coast Guard/X.com)

Firefighting efforts on the Singapore-flagged container ship Wan Hai 503 off India are ongoing, alongside search and rescue efforts for four missing crew members.

A fire broke out on the Wan Hai 503 container ship operated by Wan Hai Lines (Singapore) Pte Ltd. on June 9 off the coast of Kerala, India, after multiple explosions forced several crew members to jump into the sea.

According to the latest update from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the operation to extinguish the fire is still underway, with two additional firefighting vessels mobilised by the Indian authorities and the shipowner expected to arrive at the scene.

The 18 crew members who were rescued earlier have safely arrived at New Mangalore Port, of whom six injured have been shifted to a medical facility onshore. Three of them have since been discharged.

Search and rescue (SAR) operations are still underway to locate the four missing crew members. Aerial surveillance is also underway to support the SAR efforts.

A total of three vessels have been deployed by the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy to assist in the search and rescue operations.

MPA has been working with the ship’s classification society and the Indian authorities to provide technical information to support India’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation and control the fire.

This information includes guidance on fire suppression measures, assessment of the fire situation on board the vessel and monitoring the stability of the vessel.

“MPA is monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Indian authorities, including supporting the assessment of the vessel’s structural integrity and the potential for environmental impact. 6. Updates will be provided when further information becomes available,” MPA said.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Marine Link)

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