14 hours ago
At least 4 missing after multiple explosions and fires reported on cargo ship off India's Kerala coast
At least four crew members were missing and five others injured after fires broke out and explosions heard aboard a Singapore‑flagged container ship off the coast of India's southern state of Kerala.
The incident occurred around 10.30 am local time (5.00 am GMT) on Monday aboard the MV Wan Hai 503, a 270‑metre cargo vessel travelling from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Mumbai, India's commercial capital.
The ship was located roughly 130 nautical miles (240km) west of Beypore, a port town in the southern state of Kerala, when explosions were reported from below deck, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by the Indian Navy and coast guard.
Eighteen crew members initially abandoned the ship into life rafts. Defence officials confirmed that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard coordinated to rescue all 18 from the sea.
Quick response by @IndiaCoastGuard after explosion on #Singapore flagged MV #WANHAI503, 130 NM NW of #Kerala coast.➡️ #ICG aircraft assessed the scene & dropped air-droppable ➡️ 04 #ICG ships diverted for rescue.#MaritimeSafety #ICG #SearchAndRescue
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 9, 2025
One of the rescued crew later succumbed to injuries, local officials told The Times of India.
Four crew members still unaccounted for include nationals from Taiwan, Indonesia and Myanmar, according to local maritime authorities.
More details to follow.
