Fire Erupts on Singapore-Flagged MV Wan Hai 503 Off Kerala Coast; Navy and Coast Guard Launch Major Rescue Operation
June 9, 2025 | Beypore, Kerala —
A major maritime emergency unfolded in the Arabian Sea on Monday morning after a fire broke out on board the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, approximately 78 nautical miles west of Beypore, Kerala. The incident, which reportedly followed an explosion, occurred around 10:30 am, sending distress signals across India’s maritime security network.
The container vessel had departed Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 7, and was en route to Mumbai Port, where it was expected to dock on Tuesday. The cause of the explosion and the resulting blaze is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway to ascertain the origin and nature of the fire.
Indian Navy Responds Swiftly; INS Surat Diverted
In response to the emergency, the Indian Navy rapidly mobilised resources, diverting its indigenously constructed guided-missile destroyer, INS Surat, to the scene. The ship was redeployed from its mission in the Western Naval Command area to reach the distressed vessel at the earliest possible time.
Additionally, the Navy launched an aerial reconnaissance sortie from INS Garuda, its naval air station in Kochi, to gain visual confirmation of the vessel’s condition and determine immediate requirements for assistance and firefighting. A spokesperson from the Navy confirmed that both surface and aerial responses were initiated within hours of receiving the alert.
Indian Coast Guard Deploys Aircraft and Vessels
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also sprang into action, activating its emergency protocols and launching a multi-pronged response. A Dornier aircraft was dispatched for aerial surveillance, with the primary aim of evaluating the extent of the fire and ensuring the safety of the crew.
Coast Guard ships stationed at nearby ports, including Beypore and Kochi, were also deployed to provide on-site assistance in fire containment and rescue operations. Sources within the ICG confirmed that the nearest assets were mobilised to reach the scene as swiftly as possible.
Crew Evacuated; 20 Containers Lost Overboard
According to preliminary reports, the MV Wan Hai 503 was carrying around 650 containers at the time of the incident. The intensity of the fire and rough sea conditions reportedly caused at least 20 containers to fall overboard, now drifting in the Arabian Sea. Authorities have raised concerns about potential environmental hazards, especially if any of the lost containers contained hazardous or chemical cargo.
Of the nearly 40 crew members onboard, 18 are believed to have jumped into the sea as flames spread through the vessel. All crew members were subsequently evacuated with the support of the Navy and Coast Guard. As of now, no injuries or casualties have been officially confirmed, though a full headcount and medical evaluation are being conducted.
Vessel Details and Fire Location
The MV Wan Hai 503 is a large container ship registered in Singapore, operating under the IMO number 9294862. The vessel measures 268.8 meters in length and 32.3 meters in beam, making it a mid-sized container carrier often seen on regional Asia-bound trade routes.
The fire occurred in the open waters of the Arabian Sea, roughly 40 kilometres west of the Beypore–Azhikkal port corridor, a busy maritime zone for container and coastal cargo vessels navigating India’s western seaboard.
Ongoing Monitoring and Investigation
With firefighting and rescue operations still in progress, maritime authorities have stated that the situation remains fluid, though preliminary assessments suggest the fire is being gradually brought under control. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the Marine Mercantile Department (MMD) are expected to lead a joint investigation into the cause of the explosion and the vessel’s cargo safety compliance.
The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and port authorities are also keeping environmental response teams on alert, given the risk of oil spills or chemical leakage from containers that have gone overboard or been compromised in the blaze.
Strategic Implications
This incident highlights the increasing complexity of maritime safety challenges in one of the world’s most heavily trafficked sea routes. With India emerging as a key player in regional maritime logistics and security, such emergencies also test the preparedness of its Search and Rescue (SAR) architecture and rapid response coordination mechanisms.
While the quick actions by the Navy and Coast Guard have so far prevented loss of life, maritime experts note that the event underscores the importance of fire suppression systems, container stowage standards, and emergency preparedness on commercial vessels.
Awaiting Updates
As rescue efforts continue, further updates are expected from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Wan Hai Lines, the operator of the vessel. Port authorities in Mumbai, Kochi, and Beypore have been placed on alert, and shipping advisories have been issued for vessels in the surrounding area to steer clear of floating debris and container wreckage.
For now, the focus remains on extinguishing the fire, ensuring the safety of all crew, and preventing environmental damage. The international shipping community and insurance agencies are also closely tracking the situation, given the potential implications for marine cargo safety protocols and risk underwriting in the region.
