Fire on MV Wan Hai 503 under control, vessel moved 35 NM from coast
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New Delhi: Indian maritime forces have achieved a major breakthrough in the firefighting and salvage operation of the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, preventing what could have been a significant marine environmental disaster near the Kerala coast.
The operation jointly led by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, overcame extreme challenges, including adverse weather and a persistent fire onboard the vessel, which had been drifting dangerously close to the coast since the blaze broke out earlier this week.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, a crucial milestone was reached on 13 June when the towing responsibility was successfully handed over from ICG vessels to the salvage tug Offshore Warrior. "Despite hostile weather, the Indian Navy's Sea King helo winched salvors onto the vessel 20 NM off Kochi. Three Coast Guard Ships are escorting the vessel and continuing essential firefighting efforts," the ICG said in an update on X.
The ship is now positioned 35 nautical miles off the coast, with only thick smoke and a few hotspots remaining. Authorities have decided to hold the vessel at a safe distance of over 50 nautical miles from the shoreline until further notice, to ensure full containment of the situation.
The Indian Navy’s INS Sharda and the offshore support vessel MV Triton Liberty remain actively engaged in the operation, which continues under close coordination with other maritime agencies.
The successful transfer of the tow and the swift insertion and extraction of salvage teams by naval helicopters have been hailed as key factors in averting disaster. The coordinated response has been widely praised as a model of effective maritime synergy and rapid action.
