Last Updated:
This shipment, imported by a Mumbai-based chemical and polymer company, is currently under investigation
Rescue operation after Singapore cargo ship caught fire near Kerala. (Image: X)
The MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged container vessel, was carrying nitrocellulose, a chemical used in both explosives and paint and polish production, top Indian government sources told CNN-News18 on Tuesday. This shipment, imported by a Mumbai-based chemical and polymer company, is currently under investigation following a serious incident.
The vessel experienced an explosion in its containers while it was 130 miles northwest of Kochi. The distress alert was relayed by the MV Cape Valencia to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai. At the time of the incident, the ship was en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, with an estimated arrival date of June 10, 2025.
The MV Wan Hai 503 had a crew of 22, comprising 9 Chinese, 5 Taiwanese, 5 Burmese, and 3 Indonesian nationals. The ship’s master, Wei Chun-Ju, is from Taiwan, said sources.
Initial reports indicate that a continuous series of explosions in the containers led to a significant fire onboard. As a result, the crew abandoned the vessel, with 8 boarding a life raft and 10 taking to a survival boat. Unfortunately, 4 crew members are currently missing and are being actively searched for.
In the aftermath of the explosions, 15 containers have fallen overboard, posing potential hazards. The MV Marvel, which was in the vicinity, is relaying updates to the MRCC in Mumbai. Officials said the severity of this incident underscores the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause and intended use of the nitrocellulose shipment.
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
- First Published:
