Singapore-Flagged Vessel MV Wan Hai 503 Battles Fire Off Kerala Coast
A Singapore-flagged container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire on June 9, 2025, while operating off the Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched an intensive firefighting operation to mitigate the blaze and prevent a potential ecological disaster.
The vessel is currently drifting within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, Kerala. It carries 2,128 metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, posing a significant threat to the marine environment and nearby shipping routes.
The ICG has made significant progress in containing the blaze, with only smoke visible across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire persists in the inner decks and areas near the fuel tanks. Five ICG ships, two Dornier aircraft, and one helicopter are actively engaged in the operation.
The Directorate General of Shipping has provided two vessels to support the operation. Salvors appointed by the vessel’s owner have deployed an expert team to assist the ICG in firefighting and salvage efforts. The Indian Air Force has also been requested to provide further aerial support.
In a daring operation on June 11, 2025, an ICG helicopter winched five members of the salvage team and an aircrew diver onto the burning vessel to facilitate the towing process. The focus remains on connecting a towline to the vessel to pull it away from the coast and avert a potential ecological disaster.
Sea conditions are unfavorable, making the operation challenging. Containing the fire and towing the vessel to a safer location remain top priorities.The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold. The ICG and other agencies are working tirelessly to mitigate the situation and prevent any adverse impact on the marine environment.
