Fire Aboard Wan Hai 503 Containership Off India: Four Missing, Several Injured

A fire aboard the containership Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) off the west coast of India has left four crew members missing and 18 others rescued, some with serious injuries. As of June 9, Indian Coast Guard and Navy units are responding as the fire continues to spread across the abandoned vessel.

Hazardous Cargo

Authorities received an alert at approximately 12:30 local time on June 9 regarding a fire originating from one container aboard the Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged vessel with a deadweight of 51,300 tonnes. The fire rapidly spread to other containers located on the forward section of the ship.

The vessel is reported to be carrying hazardous cargo, including flammable liquids and solids, spontaneously combustible substances, and toxic materials.

Visual evidence from the scene shows significant container damage, with an estimated 40 to 50 containers having fallen overboard. Several containers were visibly ablaze, with one photographed upside down and another seen with its door open.

Multiple explosions were reported by media sources. Thick smoke continues to rise from the ship, increasing the danger of further explosions.

The Indian Coast Guard confirmed that the situation remains critical and that all efforts are being made to stabilize the vessel.

Four missing, two serious injured

In response, nearby vessels including the ONE Marvel (IMO: 9475612) and the MSC Ambra (IMO: 9839480) diverted course to assist. The Wan Hai 503 was abandoned as fire spread throughout the ship.

Eighteen crew members were rescued from lifeboats and transferred to an Indian Navy vessel. They are currently being transported to New Mangalore Port (LOCODE: INNML). Among the rescued, two individuals sustained serious injuries, and three others have minor injuries.

A search and rescue operation is ongoing for the four missing crew members. Reports indicate the missing include nationals from Taiwan, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

In addition, the Indian Navy deployed one vessel, while the Indian Coast Guard dispatched five ships to manage the incident and survey the surrounding area. Aircraft have also been deployed.

The Wan Hai 503

Built in 2005, the Wan Hai 503 measures 269 meters in length and 32 meters in width. The Wan Hai 503 was located approximately 78 nautical miles southwest of the Kerala region. The vessel had departed Colombo (LOCODE: LKCMB) and was en route to Mumbai (LOCODE: INBOM), where it was scheduled to arrive on June 10.

A Port State inspection conducted in Mumbai earlier in June noted minor deficiencies in cargo handling equipment and a workplace safety concern, though no detention was imposed.

Firefighting and salvage tugs have reportedly been retained to assist with the ongoing emergency.