The blaze aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire last Monday off the Kerala coast, is now partially contained, according to an update from India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on Wednesday.
A report issued by the DGS on 17 June revealed a significant reduction in visible flames and smoke intensity across most sections of the ship.
The fire erupted following an explosion in one of the containers on the vessel, which was en route from Mumbai to Colombo at the time of the incident.
Although the investigation into the cause of the fire is at an early stage, signs are that it was because of mis-declared or willfully under-declared cargo, most likely dangerous goods that combusted because of pressure.
Positive developments include the vessel’s reduced speed and its movement along an offshore trajectory. As of the latest update, MV Wan Hai 503 is approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast.
However, the DGS highlighted ongoing concerns, including persistent smoke emanating from certain parts of the ship and a history of internal flare-ups that necessitate sustained firefighting efforts.
Adverse weather conditions have further complicated operations, with westerly winds ranging from 29 to 34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility severely hampering firefighting and boarding efforts.
The report also emphasised the critical need to establish a second towline to stabilise the vessel amid the dynamic sea state and structural stresses it had already endured.
The MV Wan Hai 503 remains connected to the tugboat Offshore Warrior by a single towline.
The DGS continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to fully contain the fire and secure the vessel proceed.
