Watch: Massive fire engulfs merchant vessel SSL Kolkata, 11 crew members rescued

As per the reports there was an explosion on the deck at around 10 pm in the night which was soon ensued by a rapidly spreading fire.

MV SSL Kolkata caught fire at night on June 13/ Image: ANI

New Delhi: Merchant vessel (MV) SSL Kolkata, MV SSL Kolkata which is a domestic merchant container vehicle caught a massive fire onboard on Wednesday night. 22 crew members were onboard when as per reports, a massive fire engulfed a major portion of the ship. It is reported that due to the rough seas and strong winds, the fire expanded rapidly and soon covered about 70 percent of the ship. 11 out of the 22 members have been rescued successfully while the rescue operation for the rest is underway. Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia & Coast Dornier arrived in area earlier today to conduct rescue operations. As per the reports there was an explosion on the deck at around 10 pm in the night which was soon ensued by a fire on the deck. Thick plumes of black smoke can be seen covering the ship in the middle of the sea, in the images that were shared on social media. ANI shared an aerial shot of the fire. You can check the video here:

#WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night; 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018

#WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night; 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018