Indian Coast Guard Battles Flare-Up Aboard Maersk Frankfurt off Karnataka Coast

The Indian Coast Guard is actively combating a fire on the Maersk Frankfurt merchant vessel near Karnataka. Despite initial success, the fire has reignited midship. Multiple ships, aircraft, and specialized equipment are involved in ongoing firefighting and environmental protection efforts.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues its robust response to the fire incident aboard the merchant vessel Maersk Frankfurt, situated 17 miles from Karwar, Karnataka. Although the forepart fire was suppressed, heavy smoke persists and the fire has reignited midship.

ICG ships Sachet, Sujeet, and Samrat are actively engaged in firefighting operations, with continuous efforts to control and extinguish the flames. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has conducted an aerial assessment, while an ALH Dhruv helicopter from New Mangalore to Goa evaluated the feasibility of deploying Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) bags.

Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 11 (Goa) is assembling DCP bags and balls to aid firefighting. The specialized vessel Samudra Prahari is en route to provide further assistance. Currently, evacuation is unnecessary, as the compromised forecastle area poses significant risks. The ICG remains committed to crew safety and mitigating the environmental impact.

Late Friday night, the ICG control room in Mumbai received a distress call regarding the fire, prompting immediate deployment of ICG Dornier and ships Sachet, Sujeet, and Samrat. Additional aircraft were mobilized for Search and Rescue. Firefighting continues to avert an ecological disaster and ensure vessel and crew safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)