A critical situation is unfolding in the Arabian Sea as a major fire engulfs the MV Maersk Frankfurt, a Maersk-chartered container ship carrying hazardous materials. The distress call was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, prompting an immediate response from the Indian Coast Guard.
Multiple Indian Coast Guard assets, including ships Sachet, Sujeet, Samrat, and a Dornier aircraft, have been deployed to the scene, located approximately 50 nautical miles off Karwar, India. Firefighting operations are in full swing, battling challenging weather conditions to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of the crew.
The MV Maersk Frankfurt, en route from Mundra to Colombo, is reported to be carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo, raising concerns about potential environmental and safety risks. The incident underscores the inherent dangers associated with maritime transport of hazardous materials and the critical importance of robust safety measures and emergency response capabilities.
As the situation continues to develop, the Indian Coast Guard remains committed to mitigating the risks and ensuring the safety of all involved. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
We urge the maritime community to stay vigilant and prioritize safety in all operations. Let’s work together to prevent such incidents and protect our oceans.