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: