Blaze on Merchant Navy Ship Off Goa Coast Under Control

A fire that broke out on a merchant navy ship carrying dangerous cargo off the coast of Goa is now under control, according to the Indian Coast Guard. One crew member has died. Efforts to completely extinguish the fire continue, with no immediate danger to the remaining crew members or the environment.

A fire onboard a merchant navy ship off Goa's coast has been brought under control, a senior Indian Coast Guard official confirmed on Sunday. The blaze, which started on July 19, resulted in the death of one crew member but poses no immediate danger to others or the environment.

MV Maersk Frankfurt, transporting 1,154 containers, including hazardous materials like benzene and sodium cyanate, caught fire approximately 102 nautical miles off Goa's coast while en route from Mundra, Gujarat, to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Dry chemical powders were deployed by helicopters, significantly containing the blaze, according to ICG Deputy Inspector General Manoj Bhatia. “There is no fire in the section containing the dangerous cargo,” Bhatia assured, adding, “The fire is under control, but not completely extinguished.” Four ships and additional helicopter sorties continue to manage the situation.

Though one of the 22 crew members is deceased, the status of the ship is safeguarded from further risk. The ICG remains vigilant, urging state agencies to prepare for potential oil pollution contingencies. Past incidents suggest it could take 3-4 days to fully extinguish such fires, with lingering heat necessitating ongoing monitoring.

Bhatia emphasized the importance of preparedness to avert a major disaster, noting that no oil pollution or damage to the ship has occurred thus far, but all necessary precautions remain in place.