Kochi: The Wan Hai-503 ship, which caught fire in the open sea near Azhikkal port, is being looking for the possible relocation to Hambantota International Port in Sri Lanka after extinguishing the fire. Currently, the ship is 72 nautical miles away from the Kerala coast. Considering the distance from the ship's current location, Hambantota is being considered as the next port. Hambantota port is approximately 480 nautical miles away.

The shipping company has long-standing business dealings with this port which led to considering Hambantota. The shipping company has held preliminary discussions with the port authorities. The final approval of the port authorities is awaited.

If the ship cannot be moved to Hambantota, the Port of Jebel Ali and ports in Bahrain are also being considered. The Directorate of Shipping also clarified that the ship will be moved only after the fire is completely extinguished.

Smoke is still rising from the ship. However, there are no visible flames. The temperature in the areas where the fire broke out on the ship has dropped below 175 degrees. Efforts are also underway to deliver two generators to the ship with the help of tugs. The goal is to use the generators for firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire on the ship and for power to operate the electrical system inside.

The ship was being towed by the tug 'Boka Winker'. The task was taken up by the Offshore Warrior ship. A 13-member team is on board to extinguish the fire. The firefighting is progressing with the help of the Saksham ship and the Water Lily tug. As the weather has improved slightly, efforts have been made to connect the second tug to the ship. The Saroja Blessing ship has been prepared to be considered as the second tug.

Search for missing persons ends, police seek DNA

The search for the four missing crew members from the ship has been called off as per international protocols. The Special Investigation Team of the Coastal Police has asked the shipping company to provide DNA and fingerprint information. It is suspected that one of the bodies washed ashore in Arthungal is that of the missing Indonesian from the ship. The shipping company has contacted the Indonesian man's family. The body is kept at the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital mortuary.