The Singapore-flagged container vessel MV WAN Hai 503, which caught fire between Beypore and Azhikkal ports in Kerala, was carrying four types of hazardous materials, according to Captain P.K. Arun Kumar, Port Officer In-Charge at Azhikkal.
“Regarding the material burning now, the exact nature is unknown. However, the Coast Guard has confirmed that the cargo included four types of dangerous goods,” said Captain Kumar. These hazardous materials fall under spill and fire risk categories and are classified internationally as Classes 3, 4.1, 4.2, and 6.1.
“Class 3 refers to flammable liquids, Class 4.1 to flammable solids, Class 4.2 to substances liable to spontaneous combustion, and Class 6.1 to toxic substances,” Kumar explained. “Such dangerous goods can be found in many containers or vessels worldwide and are classified according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The exact quantities aboard are not yet known, nor do we know if any cargo fell into the sea during the incident or if there is an ongoing hazard in the water.”
The total crew on board the vessel was 22. Eighteen crew members, who abandoned the vessel, were rescued so far.
Following the fire outbreak, several vessels quickly mobilized to conduct rescue operations. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) dispatched a large Coast Guard ship from Beypore as soon as the distress signal was received. This rapid response was enabled by the Global Maritime Safety System, which automatically transmits accident alerts to nearby ships and shore centers.
The alert system employs advanced communication technologies, including VHF Digital Selective Calling (medium and high frequency), Inmarsat C, and the COSPAS-SARSAT system, which uses Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) for manual or automatic distress signaling.
Rescue efforts depend heavily on survival crafts such as lifeboats and life rafts, stocked with essential supplies like water and food. These crafts feature short system transponders that enable rescue vessels to locate them on radar. Additionally, the Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) system allows aircraft and vessels within 8 to 15 nautical miles to home in on survival crafts for timely rescue.
Currently, four individuals are reported missing, and rescue teams continue to search amid difficult conditions.
Coast Guard ships, equipped with critical capabilities—search and rescue, firefighting at sea, and pollution response—play an essential role in managing such maritime disasters. And, Coast Guard is the nodal agency for rescue operations. The Coast Guard has already deployed multiple assets, including Dornier aircraft, interceptor boats, and ships like ICGS Rajdoot, Arnvesh, and Sachet.
As per the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Volume III), the first vessel to reach the incident site assumes the role of On-Scene Coordinator, directing rescue efforts and coordinating with other vessels.
In this case, the vessel named MV One Marvel was the first to arrive, followed by additional ships.