Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire: 40% of blaze in forward bay contained but vessel continues to emit heavy smoke

Indian authorities partially contain fire on MV Wan Hai 503 off Kerala coast, with international firefighting specialists on standby.

Hardly two days after the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire off the coast of Kerala between Beypore and Azhikkal ports, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and ship salvage partners, who had been undertaking the firefighting operations, could contain the fire onboard partially on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), with approximately 40% of the blaze suppressed.

According to a situation report released by the government agencies, although the fire was contained partially, the vessel remains afloat and continues to emit heavy smoke.

Fire is contained primarily in the forward bays, with firefighting efforts still progressing. No structural compromise of the ship has been reported. However, there exist thermal and gas risks near the affected compartments. The stern of the ship remains clear, providing a potential window for forward or aft towing if safe to do so. Towline connection, however, could be attempted only after full fire suppression.

The drifting vessel in the south-southeasterly direction at about 1 knot per hour has approximately 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel oil in tanks located adjacent to the fire zone, increasing the risk of fire escalation. Further, the drifting containers also remain a concern for the authorities as the vessel drifts away from the Indian coast. ICG and INHO (Indian Naval Hydrographic Office) have been requested to issue warnings to the passing vessels.

Meanwhile, international firefighting specialists from Spain, the UK, and the Netherlands identified by the salvors will be deployed for the firefighting operation subject to visa clearance within the next 72 hours, according to the report. Firefighting and boundary cooling operations are going on in the forward bays where the fire originated, while preparations are being made to shift focus to the aft section if required.

As of the last update, the vessel is located about 65 nautical miles off the Indian coastline, beyond the 1000-metre depth contour. The ICG is coordinating with the salvors to establish the most effective point to connect a towline, likely at the stern or bow, depending on evolving conditions.

As per the owners, the ship was carrying a total of 1,754 containers onboard, with 1,083 containers under deck and 671 containers on deck, out of which 143 containers were carrying highly dangerous cargo.