THE Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has reportedly said that the fire onboard the ultra-large containership Maersk Honam was brought under control last Saturday, some five days after the fatal blaze broke out on the Singapore-flagged vessel.

"A thick plume of toxic fumes have now been replaced by white smoke which is a sign of cooling down of metal fire onboard the mega containership," ICG western region deputy commandant Avinandan Mitra, was quoted as saying.

While the fire is reported to have been brought under control fully extinguishing container fires can be a lengthy process due to the extremely high temperatures generated inside the boxes, with a danger that fire may erupt again, reports Seatrade Martime News of Colchester, UK.

The blaze has been classified as a "chemical fire" by the ICG, rasing questions of dangerous cargoes carried on containerships.

There are still no signs of four seafarers missing from the Maersk Honam although the ICG believes the bodies maybe trapped on the vessel. One crew member is confirmed dead, while 22 managed to escape the burning ship, although two are reported to be in a critical condition.