According to Indian Coast Guard personnel, an underdeck explosion occurred near the Kerala coast of the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV WAN HAI 503, which was traveling from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. A concerted rescue effort has been launched in response to the disaster, which has left four crew members missing and five injured.

The ship was traveling from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai, when the incident happened on Monday at around 9:30 am at position 315, Kochi 130. At the time, the ship had 22 crew members on board.

“On passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, MV WAN HAI 503 reported an explosion under deck in position 315, Kochi 130.” Four crew members were reported missing, while five crew members were injured, according to the Indian Coast Guard Public Relations Officer (PRO). With a total crew of 22, the ship was transporting containerized cargo when the CGDO on duty was diverted for evaluation. In order to provide aid, ICGS Rajdoot from New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh from Kochi, and ICGS Sachet from Agatti diverted.

In response to the distress warning, the Indian Coast Guard quickly sent out resources to help. The MV One Marvel was diverted by the Mumbai-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which has saved 18 crew members to date. One crew member was seriously injured among those rescued.

Searches are still underway for the four missing crew members, which comprise two Taiwanese, one Indonesian, and one Myanmarese. In order to analyze the situation in real time, a Dornier aircraft operated by the Indian Coast Guard continues to conduct aerial surveillance.

The MV WAN HAI 503 is still drifting off the coast of Kerala. The Indian Coast Guard is working to contain the fire by conducting intensive firefighting operations.

To offer more support, several Coast Guard ships have been redirected, including ICGS Rajdoot near New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh off Kochi, and ICGS Sachet off Agatti.

Prompt action has also been taken by the Indian Navy. The Western Naval Command diverted INS Surat, which was supposed to enter Kochi, to assist with the rescue and firefighting efforts for the stranded ship.