The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing operations concerning the container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast. As of today, June 14, 2025, collaborative efforts have successfully towed the burning vessel away from the Indian coastline, mitigating the immediate threat of an ecological disaster.
The incident began on June 9, 2025, when a fire erupted on board the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Kozhikode. The vessel, carrying 2,128 metric tonnes of fuel and numerous containers, including hazardous materials, posed a significant risk to the marine environment and regional shipping routes. The situation was further complicated by adverse weather conditions and the ship's proximity to the coast, with winds threatening to push it towards the shoreline.
The ICG immediately launched a large-scale operation, deploying multiple ships, aircraft, and helicopters to combat the blaze. Firefighting efforts were intensified by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which air-dropped thousands of kilograms of dry chemical powder (DCP) to control the fire. Simultaneously, search and rescue operations were initiated to locate missing crew members. Initial reports indicated that 18 of the 22 crew members were rescued, while four remained missing.
One of the major challenges faced by the rescue teams was establishing a stable towline to move the vessel away from the coast. Several attempts were made, but the initial towlines parted due to the intense conditions and the vessel's instability. The ICG then deployed a specialized team, including divers and salvors, onto the burning vessel via helicopter to secure a more robust towing connection. This operation was carried out under challenging conditions, with heavy winds and rough seas.
The Indian Navy also played a crucial role, diverting INS Sharda to join the firefighting operations and deploying a Seaking helicopter to assist the salvage team in securing the towline. The commercial vessel Ocean Warrior, contracted by the salvage team, eventually took over the towing operation, working to stabilize the distressed vessel, which had developed a list of approximately 15 degrees on its port side. A third tug, Triton Liberty, operating under charter to the Navy, was also dispatched from Kochi to provide additional assistance.
Despite the progress in controlling the fire, thick smoke continues to emanate from the cargo hold. The Director General of Shipping (DGS) has mobilized additional resources, including 5,000 kg of dry chemical powder and 20,000 liters of firefighting foam, to aid in the ongoing efforts.
The successful towing of the MV Wan Hai 503 away from the Indian coast represents a major achievement in a high-stakes operation. However, challenges remain, and authorities are maintaining constant vigilance to prevent any potential ecological disaster. Concerns persist about the possibility of oil spills, drifting containers, and the potential for further explosions. The situation is being continuously monitored, with constant air sorties conducted for real-time assessment and coordination.
