Kochi, June 11 -- Indian Coast Guard ships on Wednesday continued to battle thick smoke after a massive blaze broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV WAN HAI 503 off the Kerala coast.

Thick plumes of smoke continue to billow from the ship, complicating efforts to douse the flames.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the flames on the container ship were reduced, as thick smoke continued to emanate.

It said attempts were being made to control the vessel fire that injured several crew members. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four are still missing.

"Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV ...