A fire, initially reported as an explosion, occurred on board the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala on Monday, June 9, 2025. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard swiftly responded, launching a coordinated rescue and relief operation. The incident took place approximately 78 nautical miles off Beypore, near Kochi.

The Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Mumbai first alerted its counterpart in Kochi about the underdeck incident around 10:30 AM. The 270-meter-long vessel had departed from Colombo on June 7 and was en route to Mumbai, with an expected arrival date of June 10. The ship, carrying containerized cargo, had a total of 22 crew members on board.

Early reports indicated an explosion, but officials later clarified that the incident was an underdeck fire. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the Indian Navy immediately diverted INS Surat, which was scheduled to dock in Kochi, to provide assistance. The Western Naval Command rerouted the vessel around 11 AM. Furthermore, a Navy Dornier aircraft sortie is being planned from the naval air station INS Garuda in Kochi to assess the situation and coordinate support efforts.

The Indian Coast Guard also mobilized resources for the rescue operation. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was tasked with immediate assessment. Additionally, ICGS Rajdoot (from New Mangalore), ICGS Arnvesh (from Kochi), and ICGS Sachet (from Agatti) were diverted to assist in the rescue and containment operations.

As of the latest reports, 18 of the 22 crew members have been rescued by the joint efforts of the Navy and Coast Guard after they abandoned the vessel. Sadly, four crew members are still missing and five are injured. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing crew members and ensure the safety of those still on board. Authorities are also monitoring for any potential environmental risks resulting from the fire.