A major fire has broken out aboard the MV Wan Hai 503 container ship in the Arabian Sea, roughly 15 nautical miles off the southwest coast of India.
The vessel, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, experienced an internal explosion on Monday that sparked a major blaze. The Indian Coast Guard responded swiftly, rescuing 18 of the 22 crew members. Four remain unaccounted for.
Explosions continued to be heard from the ship as of Tuesday, more than 24 hours after the initial incident. The exact cause is still unknown. Over 50 containers have been lost overboard and are drifting off the Kerala coast. The cargo included hazardous materials such as nitrocellulose, resin, and approximately 100 tonnes of bunker oil.
This is the second serious maritime incident in the region in recent weeks. In May, the MSC Elsa 3, a Liberian-flagged vessel, sank following a hazardous cargo spill and oil leak after developing a severe list during monsoon conditions.
Elsewhere, the Morning Midas, carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles off Alaska’s coast, caught fire and was subsequently abandoned last week.
These incidents underscore the considerable risks involved in maritime transport and highlight the critical importance of having adequate cargo insurance. If you’re unsure about your current coverage, the Killick Martin team is here to assist.
