Kochi Incident: Legal Action Against MV Wan Hai 503
The Fort Kochi Coastal Police in Kerala have registered a case against the owner, captain, and crew of the MV Wan Hai 503, a merchant ship supervised in Singapore, which caught fire off the Bypore coast on June 9. This marks the second case filed by the coastal police following a similar incident involving the MSC ELSA 3, which also faced issues off the Kochi coast.
The FIR, registered on June 17, 2025, highlights concerns regarding unsafe handling of combustible materials, chemicals, and explosives onboard the ship, which posed significant risks to human life. It details the leakage of fuel and oils, along with the loss of cargo containers into the sea, contributing to environmental hazards.
The fire not only endangered marine biodiversity but also disrupted local fishermen and the navigation of vessels in the area. The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, addressing negligence related to navigation, toxic substances, and fire safety. Authorities aim to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and the ensuing environmental impact.
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