A major fire has broken out on a merchant vessel reportedly carrying hazardous cargo (Photo by arrangement)
Mangaluru: A major fire broke out on a container cargo merchant vessel approximately 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa, triggering an extensive firefighting and rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The vessel Maersk Frankfurt was reportedly carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo, and explosions occured in the forward section, according to Coast Guard officials.
En route from Mundra to Colombo in Sri Lanka, the ship reported the emergency, prompting a swift response from the ICG.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the ICG dispatched a ship at maximum speed and launched a Dornier aircraft for an aerial assessment. Despite rough sea conditions and adverse weather, the ICG ship arrived on the scene and began firefighting operations.
The firefighting operation involves three ICG ships- Sujeet, Sachet, and Samrat. Persistent efforts over more than 12 hours have prevented the fire from spreading further.
As of 7 am today, the Maersk Frankfurt is positioned 6.5 nautical miles south of Karwar. The vessel has been advised to alter course away from land and is currently heading on course 180 at a speed of 6 knots. However, prevailing south-westerly winds and heavy swells are posing challenges to firefighting operations.
A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Goa at first light for an aerial assessment of the area. An additional Coast Guard aircraft has been positioned from Kochi to Goa to augment search and rescue (SAR) operations and manage further contingencies.
The Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on the evening of July 19 and is expected to arrive at the scene by the evening of July 21.
The vessel Maersk Frankfurt was reportedly carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo, and explosions occured in the forward section, according to Coast Guard officials.
En route from Mundra to Colombo in Sri Lanka, the ship reported the emergency, prompting a swift response from the ICG.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the ICG dispatched a ship at maximum speed and launched a Dornier aircraft for an aerial assessment. Despite rough sea conditions and adverse weather, the ICG ship arrived on the scene and began firefighting operations.
The firefighting operation involves three ICG ships- Sujeet, Sachet, and Samrat. Persistent efforts over more than 12 hours have prevented the fire from spreading further.
As of 7 am today, the Maersk Frankfurt is positioned 6.5 nautical miles south of Karwar. The vessel has been advised to alter course away from land and is currently heading on course 180 at a speed of 6 knots. However, prevailing south-westerly winds and heavy swells are posing challenges to firefighting operations.
A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Goa at first light for an aerial assessment of the area. An additional Coast Guard aircraft has been positioned from Kochi to Goa to augment search and rescue (SAR) operations and manage further contingencies.
The Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on the evening of July 19 and is expected to arrive at the scene by the evening of July 21.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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