By The Sampadak Express
A massive firefighting and rescue operation is underway off the Kerala coast after a Singapore-flagged container ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire in the Arabian Sea on Sunday. The presence of hazardous cargo on board has heightened safety concerns as emergency responders battle the blaze.
Eighteen crew members have been rescued so far and were safely brought ashore by the Indian Navy’s INS Surat. They were received at the Coast Guard berth of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) in Panambur late Monday night.
Among the rescued, two are reported to be in critical condition, while four others sustained minor injuries. Twelve crew members are being treated for trauma. All injured were swiftly transported to AJ Hospital in Kuntikana, with the critically injured stabilized aboard INS Surat before being shifted under close medical supervision.“
Immediate evacuation was our priority. The operation was coordinated with immigration, port, and police officials to ensure smooth and timely medical handover,” a Coast Guard spokesperson stated.
The MV Wan Hai 503 was carrying 22 crew members when the fire broke out. While 18 have been rescued, four remain missing. Intensive search and rescue operations are ongoing in the region, with support from multiple maritime agencies.
Port personnel described the emotional arrival of the survivors. “Some were helped off by their crewmates, others were carried on stretchers. There were quiet prayers, tears, and constant inquiries about those still missing,” said one port worker.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially given the nature of the cargo on board, which includes potentially hazardous materials. Further updates are awaited as the rescue mission progresses.
