Fire Erupts on Maersk Container Ship Off Goan Coast

On July 19, a massive fire broke out on the Maersk container ship Maersk Frankfurt, located about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa, India, while en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received a distress call from the Maersk Frankfurt, prompting a swift response from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ICG deployed three vessels—Sachet, Sujeet, and Samrat—for firefighting and rescue operations. 

Additionally, an aircraft, Dornier, was mobilized to assist in the search and rescue efforts. The Indian Coast Guard reported that the containership was carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods and that the explosion occurred in the vessel's front section.

Tragically, one Filipino crew member lost their life in the incident. The Maersk Frankfurt had 21 crew members on board at the time of the fire.

Firefighting operations are currently underway, with efforts focused on preventing ecological disasters and ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew, according to the ICG.

The Maersk Frankfurt, built in 2024 and sailing under the Panamanian flag, departed from Mundra, India on July 17 and was scheduled to arrive at Colombo Port, Sri Lanka on July 22.