Massive fuel reserves adjacent to fire zone of Wan Hai vessel pose threat

The Singapore-flagged ship WANHAI 503 is still enveloped in flames from the fire that started off the coast of Kannur. The fire has now moved toward the lodging area, according to a statement from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). The main issue, though, is that there are about 2000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel oil in tanks close to the fire area. About 1.9 kilometers (one nautical mile) to the south, the ship has drifted.

According to the announcement, it has 157 containers with hazardous products, including 32.2 tons of alcohol and nitrocellulose, a highly flammable compound used in lacquers, plastics, and explosives, among other applications. These present an instant fire hazard when paired with the large quantity of fuel. The ship may provide an environmental risk off the coast of Kerala, according to earlier statements made by Shyam Jagannathan, DG of Shipping. The ship is carrying cargo that is classified as risky. Off the coast of Kannur, the ship is about 45 nautical miles away. The Kerala state government has been given the details,” he stated. According to the KSDMA announcement, the ship is still drifting, unmanned, and still emitting smoke and flames.   Although a business has been officially contracted by the shipowners to regulate the pollution, professional firefighters have not been sent out. Consultations with experts from the Netherlands or the United Kingdom are being discussed. “The vessel’s drift away from the Indian coast is still the main concern, and given the size of the fire, connecting a towline will remain extremely important.” “With the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, challenging and alternative options are being considered,” the statement stated. According to the announcement, ten to fifteen containers were seen drifting by the Coast Guard aircraft. According to the announcement, “these may reach the coast around June 12, 2025, if not stopped.” It is still unknown what was in the floating containers.