The Singapore-flagged container ship Wan Hai 503 was relocated outside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after a devastating fire on board resulted in one crew member’s death. The fire erupted on June 22 while the vessel was approximately 177 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat, leading to a major emergency response from Indian authorities.
Built in 2014 and capable of carrying over 4,800 TEUs, the ship experienced a fire in its cargo hold en route from Kandla to Colombo. The master issued a distress call, prompting the Indian Coast Guard to deploy vessels and aircraft for firefighting and crew support. A coordinated rescue effort successfully evacuated 20 of the 21 crew members, but tragically, one was found deceased.
After several days of firefighting and ongoing structural concerns, Indian authorities decided to tow the vessel beyond the EEZ due to persistent thermal hotspots and risks to maritime safety. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai was instrumental in managing the situation, and tugboats are currently towing the ship in international waters while salvage operations and safety evaluations are underway.
This incident underscores the dangers of cargo fires at sea and the complexities of emergency management, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with authorities collaborating with the shipowner and classification society to determine next steps.
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