Maersk reported that three bodies have been found inside the ill-fated MV Honam that recently caught fire in the Arabian sea. Twenty-seven crew were on board, of which 23 were rescued. Indian Coast Guard had launched an operation in this case.
In a media statement, Maersk Line stated, "It is with deep sadness that we announce that the human remains of three of the four missing crew members aboard Maersk Honam have been found. At this point in time, our three colleagues are unidentified."
"Given the time passed and the severe fire damages to the vessel, we must conclude by now that we have lost all four colleagues who have been missing since the fire onboard Maersk Honam which began on March 6. All four families of our deceased colleagues have been informed," the statement added.
"Our most heartfelt condolences go out to families of our deceased colleagues. We share their sorrow and will do our utmost to support them in this devastating time," says Maersk Line, Chief Operating Officer, Søren Toft.
A thorough search on board the Maersk Honam continues. However, the active search and rescue mission at sea will be brought to a halt. The operation began immediately after Maersk Honam had sent out a distress signal on March 6 due to a serious fire on board. The ship was at a distance of 340 nautical miles from Agatti in Lakshwadeep Islands. Several container vessels diverted their route to assist in the search and rescue operation.
Honam, that had left Singapore on March 1 and was having passage to Suez, had 27 crew onboard including nationals from India (13), the Philippines (9), Romania (1), South Africa (1), Thailand (2) and the United Kingdom (1).
A full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and impact to the vessel and cargo, the statement concluded.
