HMM Platinum Still at Sea After Fire, SMIT Leads Salvage

The 5,023-TEU container ship HMM Platinum remains at sea following a fire that broke out while the vessel was sailing from Kattupalli, India, to Santos, Brazil. AIS data dated 10 Oct 2026 placed the ship southwest of Madagascar, still offshore and not yet in port. UK-based marine claims services firm W.E. Cox Claims Group reports that salvage specialist SMIT has been engaged under Lloyd's Open Form. Around 2,300 containers were reportedly aboard at the time of the incident, and the extent of damage to cargo has not yet been fully assessed. A casualty update dated 8 Oct 2026 indicated that an alternative to Durban was being sought as a South African port of refuge, with Gqeberha mentioned as a possible option. General average was described as likely, though the notice stopped short of confirming a formal declaration. Cargo interests have already been advised that salvage security will be required before any onward shipment or release of goods. Shippers, insurers and forwarders are being urged to confirm cargo condition, prepare the necessary security and coordinate revised delivery arrangements without waiting for a formal general average declaration. No information on the cause of the fire or the status of the crew has been disclosed.