The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fears all the 22 surviving crew of the Maersk boxship Maersk Honam have been affected by toxic fumes from the fire.
The 15,262-teu ship (built 2017) was hit by a huge blaze off the Lakshadweep Islands on Tuesday.
One rescued crewman has since died and four more remain missing.
“The containers are carrying flammable liquids and solids, oxidising substances, toxic and infectious material, along with corrosive matter, which must not be allowed to come in contact with the human body,” an ICG official told The Hindu daily.
The ICG ship Shoor continued to fight the fire.
“Primary investigations reveal that the fire started in one of the decks. It is suspected that toxic fume poisoning has affected the entire crew,” the ICG said.
The search is still on for the missing men, including Sakim Hegde, an Indian cook.
Also missing are two Filipinos and a South African.
Three seriously injured seafarers were taken for urgent medical care on an ICG vessel.
The ICG named them as Sukun Suwannapeng of Thailand, Alan Rey Palca Gabunilas of the Philippines and Deepu Jayan, an Indian.
