A fire that broke out on the merchant navy ship MV Maersk Frankfurt off the coast of Goa on July 19 is now under control, according to a senior Indian Coast Guard (ICG) official. The fire claimed the life of one crew member and threatened the ship’s cargo, which included dangerous substances like benzene and sodium cyanate. The vessel, carrying 1,154 containers, was en route from Mundra, Gujarat, to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it caught fire 102 nautical miles off Goa’s coast.
ICG Deputy Inspector General Manoj Bhatia reported that dry chemical powder, spread through helicopters on Saturday, was crucial in controlling the blaze. “The fire is under control, but I would not say it is fully doused,” Bhatia told PTI. He emphasised that there was no fire in the section containing the dangerous cargo, which averted a potential disaster.
The firefighting operation continues, with four ships and helicopters conducting regular sorties in the area. Bhatia reassured that there is no immediate danger to the remaining 21 crew members on board. “The ICG is keeping the vessel slightly away from the coast. We have asked state agencies to prepare for any exigencies that may occur due to oil pollution. We have given warnings to all concerned states so that disaster contingency plans are activated towards pollution response,” he stated.
Bhatia noted that past experiences suggest such fires can take 3-4 days to be fully extinguished, and the area will remain heated, requiring continuous monitoring. “Fire in the part of the ship where the dangerous cargo is stocked could have resulted in a major disaster,” he said.
Currently, there is no oil pollution or damage to the ship, but the ICG remains vigilant, ensuring all necessary precautions are in place. This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and swift action in preventing environmental disasters and ensuring the safety of maritime operations.
The situation continues to be monitored closely by the ICG, with state agencies on alert to respond to any potential pollution threats, demonstrating a coordinated effort to manage and mitigate the aftermath of such maritime incidents.
