Kannur: A renewed blaze has broken out aboard the cargo ship Wan Hai 503, anchored in the outer sea near the Azhikkal coast in Kannur. Authorities believe the fire may have reignited due to containers carrying flammable chemicals, with initial assessments suggesting that hazardous materials could have triggered the fresh outbreak.

Firefighting operations are currently underway, as emergency teams attempt to bring the situation under control.

This development follows an earlier incident on June 9, when the same ship caught fire at sea off the Kannur coast after an explosion was reported on board.

In connection with the incident, the Fort Kochi Coastal Police have registered a case against the ship’s master and crew. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused were allegedly aware that the vessel was transporting flammable substances, hazardous chemicals, and explosives. Despite this, they are said to have handled the ship in a reckless and negligent manner, endangering lives and breaching safety regulations.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the cause of the initial explosion and fire, as well as any procedural lapses in the handling of the cargo. The re-emergence of the fire has raised further concerns about safety oversight and the handling of dangerous materials aboard vessels operating in Indian waters.

Authorities have urged caution and are monitoring the situation closely. Further updates are expected as containment efforts progress and official findings emerge from the ongoing inquiry.