Cargo Ship Fire Off India Coast: Four Missing, Oil Spill Feared

A Singaporean cargo ship, the MV Wan Hai 503, is engulfed in flames off the coast of India, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Four crew members remain unaccounted for, and there are fears of a major oil spill near the coast of Kerala. Footage from the scene shows thick black smoke billowing from the vessel. 'The situation is critical,' said a spokesperson for the Indian Coast Guard. 'We are working tirelessly to extinguish the fire and locate the missing crew members.' The Coast Guard, along with the Indian Navy, are using helicopters and ships to fight the fire and search for survivors. Authorities are also monitoring the potential for an oil spill, which could have devastating consequences for the marine environment. The ship was en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Mumbai, India, when the fire broke out. This is the second major shipping accident in the region in recent weeks, raising concerns about maritime safety. The rescued crew members are receiving medical attention.