Goa, India – July 20, 2024 – A massive fire broke out on a container cargo vessel about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa on Friday, according to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ship, en route from Gujarat’s Mundra Port to Colombo, Sri Lanka, was carrying Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), which have contributed to explosions and fires on the front part of the vessel.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Indian Coast Guard swiftly diverted resources to address the emergency. An ICG ship was dispatched to the scene at maximum speed, and a Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial assessment of the situation.
The ICG reported that the fire-fighting efforts are ongoing despite challenging conditions, including rough seas and inclement weather. The Coast Guard has reassured the crew, who were reportedly panic-stricken, of their safety. To enhance the firefighting operation, two additional ICG ships were sent from Goa.
The incident highlights the Coast Guard’s prompt and coordinated response, following another significant rescue operation just days earlier. On Wednesday, the ICG successfully rescued an Indian fishing boat with 11 crew members off the Kerala coast, braving heavy rain and rough weather conditions.
A Dornier aircraft had initially spotted the distressed fishing boat on the night of July 16. The vessel was in critical condition due to flooding from a hull rupture near the keel, which had also caused a loss of propulsion, jeopardizing the crew’s safety.
The ICG ship ‘Saksham’ was immediately diverted to assist, followed by the deployment of another ship, ‘Abhinav,’ and an advanced light helicopter. A technical team from the ICG boarded the fishing boat, conducted de-flooding operations, and provided necessary assistance. The operation successfully rescued all crew members and ensured the vessel’s safety.
The ongoing situation with the container ship remains critical, with the Indian Coast Guard working tirelessly to control the fire and prevent any environmental hazards associated with the hazardous cargo.
