A Singapore-flagged container ship caught fire off the Kerala coast, triggering a major Indian Navy rescue. 18 crew rescued, 5 injured, and 4 missing. INS Surat docks at New Mangalore tonight.
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Fire at Sea: Indian Navy Rescues 18 from Blaze-Hit Singapore Vessel Off Kerala Coast, 4 Still Missing
By Rhea Menon | Maritime & Defense Correspondent | June 10, 2025
New Mangalore, Karnataka — In a dramatic mid-sea operation that showcased India’s maritime rescue prowess, the Indian Navy successfully rescued 18 crew members from a Singapore-flagged container ship that caught fire off the Kerala coast in the early hours of Sunday. The coordinated mission, led by the Navy’s warship INS Surat, is still ongoing as four crew members remain unaccounted for.
The fire, which broke out under unclear circumstances in the Arabian Sea, prompted immediate distress signals, drawing a rapid joint response from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA). The incident has sent ripples through the international maritime community, raising questions about safety protocols and environmental risks in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.
Indian Navy Rescues 18 Crew from Burning Singapore Vessel Off Kerala Coast; 4 Still Missing
Inside the Rescue: A Race Against Flames and Time
The container ship, whose cargo and ownership details have not been made public, was en route along a key east-west maritime corridor when flames erupted on board around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Heavy black smoke was visible from miles away as the fire spread across the cargo deck, according to preliminary reports shared by maritime surveillance aircraft.
By late afternoon, INS Surat had reached the scene. Braving thick smoke and worsening sea conditions, naval rescue teams boarded the vessel to extract the stranded crew. Of the 22 crew onboard, 18 were rescued, five of whom sustained injuries, including two in critical condition.
“Our priority was to stabilize the injured, contain the fire, and ensure maximum survival,” said a senior officer onboard INS Surat, speaking to The Chronicle under condition of anonymity.
Who Were Onboard? The Human Toll
The rescued sailors come from diverse nationalities, underlining the global nature of maritime labor:
8 from China
4 from Taiwan
4 from Myanmar
2 from Indonesia
Of these, two sailors were reported unconscious when rescued and are now being medically stabilized aboard INS Surat, which is expected to dock at New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Panambur by 10:00 p.m. tonight. Port authorities have mobilized ambulances, emergency response teams, and multilingual support staff in anticipation of their arrival.
Search Continues for Missing Crew
Even as attention turns to the rescued, four crew members remain missing, possibly trapped below deck or lost overboard. Search and rescue operations involving helicopters, patrol vessels, and surveillance drones are currently active across a 30-nautical-mile radius.
“The window for rescue is narrowing,” said a Coast Guard spokesperson. “But we are hopeful and operating at full capacity. Every minute matters.”
The Coast Guard has deployed its interceptor vessel ICGS Rajratan, while INS Surat continues damage control and fire suppression onboard the burning vessel.
Environmental and Security Concerns Mount
While authorities have not confirmed the cargo manifest, maritime sources warn of the potential environmental impact if hazardous materials were onboard. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has been placed on standby, and oil spill contingency measures are being reviewed.
“We're monitoring for signs of hull breach or fuel leakage. Any contamination would have serious ecological consequences for the Malabar Coast,” said an official from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
Security experts also flagged the risks posed by aging vessels and lax inspection standards, especially on high-traffic international routes.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Diplomacy
An official inquiry will be launched once the vessel is stabilized and the surviving crew are debriefed. Since the ship is Singapore-flagged, the incident falls under the purview of international maritime law, and representatives from Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) are expected to join the investigation.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that diplomatic coordination is underway to assist the respective embassies of the crew’s countries of origin.
“Our focus is humanitarian, but we also aim to understand the operational lapses that led to this emergency,” said a senior MEA official.
Port Bracing for Critical Arrivals
At New Mangalore Port, preparations are intense. Doctors from KMC Hospital, rapid response teams, and trauma counselors have been stationed near Dock 3, where INS Surat is scheduled to arrive. Language translation support is being provided for Chinese and Burmese crew members.
The port is expected to go into Level 2 Emergency Mode until all disembarkation and medical transfers are complete.
Conclusion: Fire, Fury, and Fragile Waters
This incident, while still unfolding, underscores both the vulnerabilities and valor of maritime operations. The Indian Navy’s rapid and precise execution has earned it global praise, but the tragedy also highlights persistent challenges: safety lapses, emergency preparedness, and transparency in commercial shipping.
As families await word on the missing, and as the ship smolders in the Arabian Sea, the world is reminded that in the vast oceans that connect us, no incident remains isolated — nor any human life disposable.
