The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been diligently working for the fifth consecutive day to ensure the safety of MV Maersk Frankfurt and its crew, while also preventing marine pollution. The operation is ongoing in the Arabian Sea, where extreme weather conditions and the peak of the Southwest monsoon are posing significant challenges.
ICG ships, acting as first responders, have managed to extinguish the major fire on the vessel. However, minor fires continue due to the contents inside the containers. Currently, ICGS Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, and ICGS Sachet, an advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, are addressing these smaller fires. Their efforts are supported by Albattros 5, an Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) chartered by the ship managers, and the Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily, contracted by the Directorate General of Shipping.
ICG’s aerial assessments are conducted as needed to monitor the situation. Given the severe threat to the Indian coastline, all efforts are directed at keeping the vessel away from the coast and moving it into deeper waters. The ship is currently 13 nautical miles west of New Mangalore, heading towards the open sea.
The ship managers, M/s Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (Hong Kong) Ltd, have contracted M/s SMIT Salvers for salvage operations. An initial team of four—one Indian and three Filipino members—has been deployed onboard. The salvers have requested continued ICG support until the arrival of two Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels from abroad, with the first expected by the evening of July 23 and the second by July 28.
Firefighting on container vessels remains a significant global challenge, and the role of the salvage team onboard MV Maersk Frankfurt is crucial for sustaining the ICG’s efforts.