Kochi, India – June 10, 2025 — A major fire broke out aboard a cargo vessel off the coast of Kerala on Tuesday, prompting an urgent response from the Indian Coast Guard and Navy. The incident occurred approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, and rescue operations are currently underway.
According to preliminary reports, the fire started in the engine room of the Panama-flagged ship, which was en route from the Middle East to a port in southern India. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze, but initial indications point to a mechanical failure.
The vessel was carrying a crew of 22 members, including both Indian and foreign nationals. As of Tuesday evening, 18 crew members have been safely evacuated, while rescue teams are working to reach the remaining four believed to be trapped inside the vessel.
“The Indian Coast Guard was alerted around 11:30 a.m., and an immediate response team, along with firefighting ships and helicopters, was dispatched to the site,” said a spokesperson for the Coast Guard Region (West). “The safety of the crew remains our top priority.”
Eyewitnesses along the Kerala shoreline reported spotting thick plumes of black smoke rising from the sea. No oil spill or environmental damage has been reported so far, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority is coordinating with the maritime agencies and port authorities to support the ongoing efforts.
An investigation will be launched to determine the exact cause of the fire once the situation is brought under control. Meanwhile, shipping traffic near the affected zone has been rerouted as a precautionary measure.
Further updates are expected as the rescue operation continues.
