Blaze Aboard Singapore-Flagged Ship Partially Contained
The fire aboard the MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, which erupted last week off the coast of Kerala, has seen progress in containment efforts. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) reported on Wednesday that while the fire is partially contained, several challenges remain to be addressed in the ongoing firefighting operation.
Incident Overview
The incident began when an explosion occurred in one of the ship’s containers while it was en route from Mumbai to Colombo. The explosion led to a significant blaze that rapidly spread, resulting in visible flames and dense smoke emitting from various areas of the vessel. Fortunately, as of June 17, a DGS report noted that there has been a marked reduction in both flames and smoke intensity across the majority of the ship.
Current Status of the Vessel
As it stands, the MV Wan Hai 503’s operational speed has notably decreased, and its position is now approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. While this is a positive development, the DGS emphasizes that the safety of the vessel remains precarious due to ongoing concerns.
Ongoing Challenges
Firefighting crews have encountered persistent smoke from certain sections of the ship. The situation is complicated by the ship’s history of internal flare-ups, which require continuous firefighting efforts to ensure that the fire does not reignite. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions are hindering the operations. Winds are reported to be gusting up to 39 knots, accompanied by intermittent heavy rainfall and periods of zero visibility, creating unsafe conditions for firefighting personnel.
Another pressing concern is the lack of a second towline. The vessel is currently tethered to a tugboat, Offshore Warrior, via a single towline. Establishing an additional line is deemed crucial, especially given the dynamic sea state and the significant structural stresses the ship has already endured since the fire broke out.
Stability Assessments
Stability assessments indicate that the MV Wan Hai 503 is operating within 90% of acceptable seagoing conditions. However, there is a priority on evaluating the hull’s integrity, especially in regions affected by high heat. Ensuring that the ship remains structurally sound is critical for both firefighting efforts and the eventual relocation of the vessel.
Port of Refuge Discussions
As firefighting efforts continue, discussions regarding a Port of Refuge are underway, with Jebel Ali in Dubai being considered as a primary option. This would, of course, be contingent on complete fire suppression, thorough structural integrity assessments, and requisite regulatory permissions. Alternatives in Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Qatar are also being explored, reflecting the urgent need to find a safe haven for the vessel.
Casualty and Rescue Operations
In terms of crew safety, there have been developments concerning the 22 crew members initially on board. To date, 18 individuals have been successfully rescued, while search operations persist for the four individuals who remain unaccounted for. Tragically, reports have emerged of a body washing ashore near the Kerala coast, which is currently under verification in collaboration with local authorities.
Ongoing Efforts
Fire suppression remains the primary focus, alongside ensuring the structural safety of the vessel and planning for its safe relocation out of Indian waters. The DGS continues to coordinate efforts with various organizations to manage this complex and urgent maritime situation. As the days pass, the focus remains on mitigating risks, protecting the environment, and securing the safety of all personnel involved.
This unfolding scenario highlights the challenges of maritime emergencies and the intricate coordination required to manage them effectively.
