The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) says one of the crew of the MSC Messina has gone missing after its engine caught fire near the Kirinda Maharawana lighthouse.
It had a staff of 28 people. Others are reported to be safe.
The cargo ship was on its way to Singapore from the Port of Colombo when it caught fire in the seas 480 nautical miles off the coast last night.
The ship, the MSC Messina, sails under the Liberian flag.
According to reports, the Indian Coast Guard sent aircraft and ships to put out the fire.
