Yesterday Maersk Honam, a container ship caught fire in the Arabian sea, around 340 nautical miles from Lakshwadeep Islands. The container ship with a crew of 27 onboard including 13 Indians caught fire following an explosion. The reason for the explosion is still unknown.
A total of 23 crew members were rescued, unfortunately four crew members could not be located. Search operations are underway to locate the other 4 crew members. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and Indian Coast Guard together are carrying out the rescue operation.
Deputy Commander Avinandan Mitra, the Spokesperson of the Indian Coast Guard said, “The ship was at a distance of 570 km (340 nautical miles) from Agatti in Lakshwadeep Islands. The MRCC immediately alerted all the merchant ships near to the location, through the satellite based communication network, the International Safety Net (ISN.)”
On Tuesday around 9:45 P.M., the MRCC received a message from Maersk Honam. The Indian Coast Guard vessels patrolling near Lakshadweep Islands were immediately diverted towards the container ship. The MRCC also directed merchant vessels near the location to assist the ship.
The crew of 23 members comprised of Filipinos, Indians, British, Romanians and Thai. The ship started from Singapore on the 1st of March and was en route to Suez Canal.
