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FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS ONGOING AS FLAMES EXTEND ON WAN HAI SHIP OFF INDIA
DETAIL INFORMATION
A large-scale firefighting operation has commenced to manage the blaze that has extended to significant areas of Wan Hai 503, drifting around 40 nautical miles from the Indian coastline. Although some progress has been noted, the Indian Coast Guard, which is at the forefront of the operation, underscores the risk that the fire remains uncontrolled and explosions continue to occur on the ship.
The initial blast took place, as reported by the rescued crew members, at approximately 0930 on the morning of Monday, June 9. The extent of the firefighting efforts that could be undertaken aboard remains uncertain, but by 1230 the crew informed the Coast Guard that they were leaving the ship for a lifeboat and life raft.
Eighteen crew members were transferred from Wan Hai 503 to land by the Indian Navy at New Mangalore Port. Six individuals were hospitalized, with two experiencing burns covering 30 to 40 percent of their bodies and severe respiratory burns. Three additional crew members have been discharged from the hospital, while four are still unaccounted for. The Coast Guard and Navy announced they were carrying on with the search for the missing crew members.