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Report |
----------UPDATE 2 ----------
17 June 2025
* Further to our previous Reports concerning the fire on board container ship WAN HAI 503 (IMO: 9294862), it is reported by the Indian Coast Guard that the fire is largely extinguished, with only some hotspots remaining.
* The vessel was taken under tow by salvage tugs to a position approximately 35 nautical miles off the Kerala coastline and will later be moved to a position 50 nautical miles from the coast whilst salvors attempt to salvage the vessel and the cargo remaining on board the vessel.
* Recovery issues will arise in respect of any loss or damage to cargo stowed on board the vessel and it remains possible that GA/Salvage issues may also arise.
* We have already been instructed by a number of Cargo Insurers and we have retained a fire expert to investigate the cause of the fire. We may therefore be able to offer certain economies of scale in respect of any investigative costs which may need to be incurred. We also have cargo surveyors on hand to assess any loss or damage to cargo as and when required.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
----------UPDATE ----------
10 June 2025
* Further to our last update concerning the container ship WAN HAI 503 (IMO: 9294862), which experienced an explosion and fire while navigating off the coast of Kerala, India, on June 9, 2025, it is reported that the vessel is listing approximately 10 to 15 degrees to port. As a result, additional containers have gone overboard and are drifting along the coast of Kerala.
* It is reported that the fire aboard the vessel remains active, affecting multiple cargo hatches, with only Hatch No. 1 under control, leaving the vessel in critical condition. Four crew members remain missing, while 18 crew members have been rescued, some of whom sustained serious injuries.
* The owners have been instructed by the Indian authorities to appoint professional salvors and firefighting experts. Consequently, Salvage Security will need to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests, and we may be able to assist in that regard. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and is widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* It is likely that General Average will also be declared. If so, General Average security will also be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard also.
* We have in the meanwhile retained a fire expert to investigate the cause of the fire and cargo surveyors are on hand to assess any loss or damage to cargo as and when required.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
----------ORIGINAL-----------
* We have received reports that the containership WAN HAI 503 (IMO: 9294862) experienced an underdeck explosion followed by a fire while navigating approximately 48 nautical miles southwest of Kannur, India, on 9 June 2025.
* It is reported that approximately 50 containers aboard the vessel fell into the sea during the accident, and 18 crew members jumped into the sea during the blaze. Local authorities have requested that mariners transiting the area proceed to the specified location to render firefighting assistance.
* It is likely that General Average / Salvage and Recovery issues will arise as a result of this incident.
* If General Average is declared, General Average security may be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard.
* Salvage Security may also be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests and we may also be able to assist. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests. |
