Beypore: A major maritime emergency unfolded off the coast of Kerala after a massive fire erupted on board a cargo vessel en route from Colombo to Mumbai. The Singapore-registered Wan Hai 503, operated by a Chinese company, caught fire approximately 72 nautical miles from Beypore, triggering chaos onboard.

The ship was carrying 22 crew members at the time of the incident. Amid the raging fire and reported explosions, 18 crew members jumped overboard in a desperate attempt to save their lives. 

In the course of the incident, around 50 containers plunged into the Arabian Sea, adding to the environmental and navigational hazard. The vessel was reportedly transporting nearly 650 containers when the fire broke out. While the ship has not sunk, the situation remains critical as flames continue to spread.

The accident occurred around 120 kilometers off the coast, between Kozhikode and Kannur. The Indian Navy's INS Surat has been deployed for immediate rescue efforts, while the Indian Coast Guard has mobilized drone aircraft to monitor and support the operation.

The fire was first reported at 10 a.m., prompting swift action by maritime authorities. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, though explosions heard onboard have intensified concern.

In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the State Disaster Management Authority to coordinate with district collectors in Ernakulam and Kozhikode. Emergency medical facilities and rescue arrangements are being put in place along the coast in anticipation of survivors being brought ashore.

The Wan Hai 503 had left Colombo just two days ago. Investigations into the full extent of the damage, environmental fallout from the container spill, and the cause of the fire will begin once the vessel is stabilized.