In a critical maritime emergency, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intensified its firefighting and salvage operations to control a fire aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which has been drifting perilously in the Arabian Sea near the Kerala coast since June 9, 2025. With over 2,100 metric tons of fuel and hazardous materials on board, the incident raises significant environmental and maritime safety concerns within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A major fire erupted on the MV Wan Hai 503 on June 9, and the vessel continues to drift southeastward approximately 42 nautical miles off Beypore, Kerala. With the blaze still active in the ship’s inner compartments, the ICG has deployed a comprehensive emergency response to avert a potential ecological crisis and ensure navigational safety.
Details Of Incident
Vessel: MV Wan Hai 503
Flag: Singapore
Cargo: Approximately 2,128 metric tons of fuel, and numerous containers including hazardous substances
Current Status: Drifting in Indian waters within the EEZ; fire remains active internally
Indian Coast Guard Emergency Response
To tackle the situation, the ICG has launched a large-scale, multi-agency operation:
Personnel Deployed: Five salvage team members and one aircrew diver have been airlifted onto the vessel.
Assets Involved: 5 Coast Guard ships, 2 Dornier surveillance aircraft, 1 helicopter
Support Sought From: Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Air Force
Current Fire Situation
While external flames have been contained, thick smoke continues to emerge from the cargo areas. The internal fire, particularly near fuel storage zones, remains a challenge and demands persistent firefighting efforts.
Ongoing Mitigation Efforts
Towline Established: To prevent uncontrolled drift and support potential evacuation or salvage.
Continuous Aerial and Naval Monitoring: Ensures real-time updates on vessel status and fire containment.
Possible Global Collaboration: A multinational response may be activated if the situation worsens.
Significance
This incident emphasizes the strategic importance of India’s maritime response capabilities and highlights the need for robust mechanisms to protect marine ecosystems from accidents involving foreign vessels operating in its waters.
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