A container cargo merchant vessel encountered a catastrophic fire approximately 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa on Friday, prompting a swift response from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) amid hazardous conditions at sea.
Reports indicate that the vessel, en route from Mundra to Colombo, was laden with “International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo,” exacerbating the severity of the incident. The Coast Guard disclosed that explosions have been observed originating from the ship’s forward section as firefighting operations ensued. In a concerted effort to mitigate the escalating crisis, an ICG ship swiftly mobilized to the scene, battling adverse weather and rough seas to combat the inferno. Additional reinforcements, comprising two ICG ships, are en route to bolster the ongoing rescue and containment efforts, as confirmed in an official statement released late Friday.
Furthermore, an ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed to conduct aerial assessments, aiding in the evaluation of the fire’s impact and facilitating strategic responses amidst the tumultuous maritime environment. Amidst the chaos, efforts were made to reassure the distressed crew members aboard the vessel, ensuring their safety amidst the unfolding emergency. The incident underscores the perilous nature of maritime operations involving hazardous materials, necessitating rapid and coordinated responses from maritime security agencies like the Indian Coast Guard. As operations continue offshore Goa, authorities remain vigilant, focusing on containment measures to safeguard against environmental and navigational hazards posed by the burning vessel. Continued updates are anticipated as the situation develops, with authorities maintaining heightened readiness to address any further exigencies arising from the ongoing maritime crisis.
