In a remarkable display of coordination and maritime expertise, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully extinguished the fire onboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which had caught fire off the Kerala coast. The vessel is now under tow, and the situation remains under control, thanks to sustained firefighting and logistical support operations by the ICG.
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Fire Extinguished, Continuous Boundary Cooling Underway
After relentless efforts over several days, the fire onboard MV Wan Hai 503 was finally doused. ICG ships are continuing with boundary cooling operations to ensure there is no reignition of residual heat sources on the vessel. The container ship is currently located over 47 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi.
Mid-Sea Fuel Transfer Powers Towing Operations
In a challenging mid-sea operation amid monsoonal sea conditions, the ICG has carried out critical fuel transfer to the ocean-going tug Ocean Warrior, which is towing the distressed container ship. An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Coast Guard has executed multiple mid-sea refuelling runs to ensure uninterrupted towing until additional tugs arrive. By the end of the ongoing refuelling run, ICG would have provided over 85,000 litres of fuel to support the salvage operation.
Airborne Salvage Support Enabled Tow Connection
A pivotal moment in the operation was the aerial deployment of salvage personnel from a shipborne ICG helicopter. The salvors were lowered onto the deck of MV Wan Hai 503, enabling the initial tow connection with an ICG ship. This crucial action helped stabilize the drifting vessel, paving the way for the final tow connection to the salvage tug Ocean Warrior.
ICG Ships Maintain Vigil in the Vicinity
Multiple Coast Guard ships remain on station in the surrounding area to monitor the situation and provide support as needed. With no chances being taken, the ICG is ensuring the safety of the maritime environment and maintaining preparedness for any emergency that may arise.
Continued Commitment to Maritime Safety
This operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to conduct high-risk salvage and firefighting missions in adverse weather conditions. The seamless coordination between sea and air units, as well as the sustained supply chain to the towing tug, has been crucial in managing the situation effectively.
The ICG continues to prioritize safety, environmental protection, and uninterrupted maritime traffic flow as part of its mission to safeguard the nation’s coastal and offshore assets.
