WAN HAI today (9th) announced that its operated cargo ship WAN HAI 503 caught fire while sailing off the coast of India, with thick smoke reported coming from the vessel. Reports indicate that the Indian Coast Guard has dispatched aircraft and a naval ship to assist.

According to WAN HAI, there are a total of 22 crew members on board, of which four are missing. The remaining 18 crew members have successfully evacuated and will be arranged for necessary medical services with the help of relevant authorities. Reports from foreign media indicate that among the missing are two members from Taiwan.

AFP reported that photos taken by the Indian Coast Guard show thick black smoke rising from the vessel, and containers appear to have been blown away by the force of an explosion. According to Reuters, the incident occurred offshore near Kerala, India, causing 40 containers to fall into the Arabian Sea.

Officials state that the cargo ship has not sunk, but did not specify the nature of the cargo on board or the cause of the explosion. The Indian Ministry of Defense stated in a release that the cargo ship WAN HAI 503, flying the Singapore flag, caught fire approximately 78 nautical miles from Beypore Port, and a destroyer has been dispatched for assistance.

WAN HAI also noted that among the injured crew members, two are in serious condition, with the majority being Taiwanese. They escaped the ship using lifeboats and were rescued by the merchant ship MV ONE MARVEL that came to their aid. Reports mentioned that WAN HAI 503 had set sail from Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the 7th and was scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on the 10th.