Multiple explosions and a raging fire broke out aboard a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel en route to Mumbai on Monday, resulting in 40 containers plunging into the Arabian Sea and prompting a harrowing evacuation by several crew members, according to Indian disaster management officials.
The incident occurred approximately 144 kilometers (90 miles) off the coast of Kerala, in southern India. The affected ship, identified as the WAN HAI 503, was carrying commercial cargo when the mishap unfolded under unclear circumstances.
Shekhar Kuriakose, secretary of Kerala’s State Disaster Management Authority, confirmed the event and said that emergency response teams have been mobilized. “We are coordinating with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Rescue Coordination Centre to ensure the safety of the crew and assess environmental risks,” he said.
Several crew members reportedly jumped overboard to escape the flames, though the number of injuries or missing persons remains unconfirmed at this time. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Environmental officials have raised concerns about potential marine pollution due to the lost containers, some of which may contain hazardous materials. Maritime authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
The cause of the explosions is still under investigation.
