The Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force successfully stabilized the distressed Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 in a high-risk firefighting and salvage operation off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. On June 13, the vessel, which had been held offshore for several days, began drifting dangerously toward the Indian coastline due to worsening weather and strong westerly winds.
Despite challenging conditions, a Navy Sea King helicopter launched from Kochi managed to winch salvage personnel onto the vessel, enabling the team to connect a 600-meter tow rope to the ocean-going tug Offshore Warrior, approximately 20 nautical miles from Kochi. The ship is now being towed westward at 1.8 knots, increasing its distance from the Indian shore to 35 nautical miles.
The Indian Coast Guard deployed three Offshore Patrol Vessels to escort the container ship, ensuring continuous fire suppression efforts. While only isolated hotspots and thick smoke remain, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any environmental disaster.
The ICG is closely coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping to maintain a minimum 50-nautical-mile distance from India’s coastline until a resolution is reached with the vessel’s owners, as per international maritime protocols. Further stabilization is expected with the arrival of additional firefighting tugs in the coming days.
