A grounded, fire-damaged Shreyas Shipping and Logistics boxship has suffered further explosions off India.
The 1,118-teu SSL Kolkata (built 2007) has also developed a list 7.5 nautical miles from the Sunderbans in West Bengal.
The grounding occurred after an explosion on 13 June in the cargo area, resulting in a significant fire.
Operator Shreyas said the crew, using the on-board fire response systems, fought the fire for as long as they were able to, but were eventually forced to leave the vessel due to its intensity.
None of the 22 seafarers was injured.
The vessel remains aground in shallow water and sitting on soft mud.
Salvor Smit has reported that further explosions have been heard from the 3,400-dwt stand-by vessel Lewek Altair (built 2009).
The boxship is listing to starboard with its deck submerged.
"The removal of bunker fuel and cargo remain a priority and the salvors and authorities are making every effort in this regard," a statement from Shreyas read.
"Several support vessels are standing by for observation and potential anti-pollution duties, with the primary aim of protecting the marine environment and preventing any pollution from cargo or fuel oil."
No pollution reported
There has been no release of any fuel oil to date.
"Shreyas takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and will make every effort to ensure that this situation is brought to a safe and timely conclusion, despite the very challenging monsoon season conditions which are currently being faced," it said.
The Times of India reported that containers were starting to slide from the vessel.
It cited an Indian government spokesman as saying: "We are keeping a watch on the situation. Unless the containers sink soon, we may have to engage fishing trawlers and tugs to get hold of them and tow them to safer locations.
"There are nearly 400 tonnes of oil including heavy furnace oil in the ship."
