The salvage team that had been engaged in the firefighting operation and rescue operation of the ship M V Wan Hai 503 that caught fire off the coast of Kerala on June 9 observed hydrocarbon release near the fuel tank of the burning ship, raising concerns.
According to the latest situation report released by government agencies, the Salvage Master observations confirmed ongoing hydrocarbon release, with potential involvement of the fuel tanks.
The presence of hydrocarbon vapours indicates possible heat transfer near fuel tanks. The authorities have been keenly watching the developments in the ship, as there was a chance for a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE).
As the fire is raging near the fuel tank of the ship, the liquid form of the fuel may evaporate, and the vapour, which is more dangerous as it evaporates in the presence of high temperature, will lead to an explosion.
Also Read | Singapore-flagged cargo ship catches fire off Beypore in Kerala; 18 rescued, 4 missing
At present, continuous onboard assessments are being conducted to monitor any escalation. The vessel remains structurally afloat but poses continued risk due to onboard hazardous cargo.
The ship is also drifting within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and aircraft are engaged in intensive firefighting operations, even as the vessel drifts in a south-easterly direction, approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, Kerala. The fire remains active but is under steady control due to ongoing boundary cooling and firefighting efforts.
Carrying 2128 metric tonnes of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, the vessel poses a significant threat to the marine environment and nearby shipping routes. Continuous and determined firefighting efforts by the ICG have significantly contained the blaze, with only smoke now visible across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire persists in the inner decks and areas near the fuel tanks.
While the immediate focus remains on extinguishing the fire, parallel efforts were undertaken to pull it away from the coast and avert a potential ecological disaster. Containing the fire and towing the vessel to a safer location remain top priorities of the agencies.
Published – June 12, 2025 08:34 am IST
