Kerala Police Files Criminal Case Against Owner, Captain & Crew Of Burning Cargo Ship

The Kerala Coastal Police have registered a criminal case against the owner, captain, and crew of the Singapore-flagged container ship Wan Hai 503, which caught fire at sea on June 9 off the Beypore coast.

The action was taken by the Fort Kochi Coastal Police based on a formal complaint filed by a local resident, following serious damage caused by the fire, including environmental pollution, obstruction to fishing, and injuries to crew members.

The case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 282 (rash navigation of a vessel), Section 285 (creating danger or obstruction in public waterways), Section 286 (negligence involving poisonous substances), Section 287 (negligence with fire or flammable materials), Section 288 (negligent handling of explosives), and Section 3(5) (common intention). All the offences are considered bailable.

The complainant stated that the ship’s containers were known to be carrying flammable items, explosive materials, and harmful chemicals, yet were handled recklessly. The police said the crew’s careless conduct with such dangerous cargo posed a serious threat to human lives and the marine environment.

Major milestone in the ongoing
operation to suppress the fire onboard MV #WahHai503 and protect #MarineEnvironment !@IndiaCoastGuard ships undertaking FF Op enabled tow connect up of Salvage vessel in extremely challenging and daunting operation. @indiannavy #Seaking… pic.twitter.com/KTFJl6I5fx

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 13, 2025

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the fire led to an explosion that released toxic gases into the atmosphere, leaked fuel and oil into the sea, and caused several containers to fall overboard. This not only endangered the health and safety of fishermen and coastal residents but also affected marine life and polluted the ocean. The incident also blocked the movement of vessels and disrupted fishing operations due to the drifting and sunken containers from the ship.

The case was registered on Tuesday, June 17, making it the second such action by the Fort Kochi Coastal Police. A similar case was recently filed against the captain and crew of the vessel MSC Elsa-3, which sank off the coast of Alappuzha.

Officials said that despite efforts, the Wan Hai 503 was still burning more than a week after the fire broke out. The blaze occurred about 44 nautical miles off the coast of Azhikkal and later spread. Five crew members were rescued and hospitalised; three of them are reported to be in intensive care.

Meanwhile, four crew members remain missing. Authorities believe that a body that washed ashore near Arthungal could belong to one of the missing sailors, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Update on #MVWanHai503 incident:

Firefighting Ops by @IndiaCoastGuard have significantly reduced the blaze onboard MV WAN HAI 503. In joint efforts with @IAF_MCC, 4000 kg of #DCP has been air-dropped for controlling metal fire. Vessel held safely away from coast. No oil… pic.twitter.com/CW5SRQIjRD

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 12, 2025

Due to worsening sea conditions, rescue efforts have been heavily impacted. Though the damaged ship has been towed around 70 nautical miles (about 120 kilometers) from the Kochi coast, strong winds and rain have made it difficult for responders to approach the vessel. Waves, bad weather, and wind speeds reaching up to 110 km/h have delayed both firefighting operations and the delivery of food and supplies to the rescue team.

Currently, seven tugs, Boca Winger, ETV Wattle Lily, Garnet, Offshore Warrior, Saksham, Saroja Blessing, and Triton Liberty,  are involved in the emergency response. Offshore Warrior is holding the ship in place with iron bars while the others take turns spraying water and chemicals onto the burning sections. Support has also been provided by the Indian Coast Guard and a Navy helicopter.

However, foam and water-based extinguishing agents are proving ineffective in completely dousing the flames. As a result, authorities are making arrangements to import Pyrocool, a specialised fire-fighting powder from the United States. Experts from Europe and the U.S. may also be brought in to assist, considering the complexity of the fire and the materials involved.

Smoke, including white, grey, and black plumes, continues to rise from different parts of the vessel, raising fears about the presence of toxic substances. Emergency responders are also assessing the environmental impact of the smoke and gas emissions.

Officials say the aim is to ensure that the vessel does not drift toward the Kerala or Lakshadweep coast, especially with monsoon rains expected to intensify.

References: the hindu, newindianexpress

Source: Maritime Shipping News