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.
