The incident follows two major ship mishaps off the Kerala coast in the past few weeks. The Indian Coast Guard deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Sachet for firefighting support and dispatched a Dornier aircraft for aerial assessment.
Published Jun 12, 2025 | 11:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 12, 2025 | 11:07 PM
Representational Image(ICG)
Synopsis: A fire broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged MV Interasia Tenacity off the Kerala coast on Thursday, prompting a swift response from the Coast Guard, which deployed a patrol vessel and an aircraft for assistance. As the third maritime mishap in recent weeks, it has prompted calls for criminal proceedings against those responsible and greater accountability.
A fire broke out in a container aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel MV Interasia Tenacity while it was sailing off the Kerala coast on Thursday, 12 June.
The ship, en route from Port Klang, Malaysia (departed 8 June), to Nhava Sheva, Maharashtra (expected arrival 13 June), carries 1,387 containers and has 21 Filipino crew members onboard.
Responding to a distress alert, the Indian Coast Guard deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Sachet for firefighting support and dispatched a Dornier aircraft for aerial assessment.
The captain later confirmed that the situation was under control and declined further assistance. According to sources, the Coast Guard continues to monitor the vessel’s condition as it proceeds to its destination.
The incident follows two major ship mishaps off the Kerala coast in the past few weeks.
Amid growing concerns over a series of maritime accidents in the region, the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) has voiced strong demands for accountability and environmental transparency.
The organisation raised alarm over the recent incidents—a container vessel catching fire near Beypore and another ship sinking off Alappuzha.
KLCA leaders Sherry J Thomas (President) and Biju Josey (General Secretary) called for urgent criminal proceedings against those responsible, along with adequate compensation for fishers and coastal communities affected by the mishaps.
They emphasised the potential for severe environmental damage, warning of an escalating threat to the marine ecosystem.
In light of the growing risks, the association urged both State and Central governments to release scientific assessments of pollution levels caused by the incidents.
They also demanded a comprehensive marine casualty investigation to evaluate environmental impact and ensure stronger preventive measures going forward.
The Kerala HC has ruled that both the Central and State governments can file cases related to the recent shipwreck off the Kerala coast involving MSC Elsa 3.
The decision came in response to a plea by former MP TN Prathapan. The court, noting the urgency amid another similar incident, also included the case of Wan Hai 503, a vessel that caught fire 88 nautical miles off the coast, under the same proceedings.
The court questioned the use of public funds for managing these maritime incidents and directed the government to recover the costs, including losses to the fishing and economic sectors, from the respective shipping companies.
It also suggested the appointment of an amicus curiae (an impartial adviser) and asked the government to submit details of existing agreements and potential legal steps.
The main concern raised was the oil spill from the Kochi incident. The court sought clarification on obstacles to initiating civil and criminal actions.
The plea will be heard again on 19 June.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping may file a separate case against MSC Elsa 3, with a preliminary probe already underway under the Merchant Shipping Act. A similar investigation has been ordered into the Wan Hai 503 incident.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
