One dies, four missing as ship catches fire

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three seafarers onboard the massive burning container ship ‘Maersk Honam’ were brought ashore by Coast Guard vessels and admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital on Thursday. A Thai national had died, and four others including a Karnataka native were missing in the fire that began on Tuesday.  The 330-metre long vessel carrying over 7860 containers went up in flames in the Arabia Sea close to Lakshadweep.

The Singapore flagged vessel had chemicals on board and was emanating toxic fumes. It was on its way from Singapore to Suez.  Indian Coast Guard Vessels with the capacity to douse such fires rushed to the spot. As per Coast Guard officials, 23 of the crew were rescued.  The missing Indian is Sakim Hegde, a cook.