by Lloyd's List

10 June 2025 (Lloyd's List) - FIRES and explosions continue to rip through a containership off India’s west coast, which has left four seafarers missing.

Singapore-flagged, 4,252 teu, Wan Hai Lines-owned Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) was en route to Mumbai from Colombo, when an explosion occurred at around 1230 hrs on June 9 and a fire broke out on board.

The Indian Navy diverted warship INS Surat to attend the scene 78 nautical miles off Beypore, on India’s southwest coast. A search and rescue aircraft was also dispatched by the Indian Coast Guard.

But explosions and fires have continued to rock the vessel throughout the night. While the fire in the forward container bay is now under control, the blaze in the mid-bay continues. The vessel is listing approximately 10-15 degrees to port and more containers have fallen overboard.

Lloyd’s List understands that initial contact has been made with Smit Salvage, though the vessel is described as being in a critical condition.

Most of the vessel’s 22-strong crew have been accounted for, but four seafarers remain missing.

Five members of the crew sustained serious injuries and are being treated at a hospital in Mangalore.