KOZHIKODE: A cargo ship en route from Colombo to Mumbai caught fire almost 120 km west of Kozhikode and Kannur off the Kerala coast. The Singaporean ship, Wan Hai 503, was involved in the incident. 50 containers from the ship fell into the sea following the fire.

The accident occurred 40 km west of the Beypore-Azheekal ports. The ship was carrying more than 650 containers. Of the 40 crew members, 18 jumped into the sea in a bid to escape the fire. Coast Guard and Navy teams have left for the incident spot from Kochi.

It is reported that a team will arrive from Beypore. Helicopters and Dornier aircraft are already on the rescue mission. It is also said that there were several explosions on the ship. Unverified reports stated that it was the feeder ship that exploded near the port in Kozhikode.