Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 12: A major fire broke out aboard a Singapore-flagged container ship located approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Beypore, Kozhikode in Kerala. Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, the blaze remains uncontrolled even after 58 hours.
The Indian Navy has successfully rescued 18 crew members from the vessel and brought them to Mangaluru. A search operation is currently underway for the remaining four crew members who are still missing.
Among the injured, Chinese national Lu Yanli and Indonesian national Sonitur Haeni sustained serious burns and are currently receiving treatment in the emergency intensive care unit of a private hospital in Mangaluru. Doctors have reported their condition as stable, but they are expected to remain in the ICU for four to five days.
Out of four others who sustained minor injuries, one was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, according to the attending doctors.
Of the 22 crew members aboard the ill-fated vessel, 14 were of Chinese nationality.
Meanwhile, spokespersons from the Chinese embassy have expressed their gratitude to the Indian Navy for its rescue efforts. They also extended their wishes for a successful operation and a speedy recovery for the injured.