Kerala coast fire update: ICG battles blaze onboard Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503
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New Delhi, June 11, 2025 — A major maritime emergency continues to unfold off the Kerala coast as the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire on June 9, remains adrift within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched large-scale firefighting and salvage operations, amid growing concerns over potential ecological and navigational threats.
Fire Contained on Surface, Still Raging in Inner Decks
The 2,128-metric-ton vessel, laden with hundreds of containers including hazardous cargo, is currently drifting around 42 nautical miles southeast of Beypore, Kerala. While ICG personnel have managed to contain visible flames on the cargo holds and upper bays, the fire continues to smoulder in the inner decks and areas dangerously close to the ship’s fuel tanks.
ICG officials have confirmed that five Coast Guard ships, two Dornier surveillance aircraft, and a helicopter are actively involved in the ongoing operation. The Directorate General of Shipping has also deployed two support vessels, while a specialized salvage team appointed by the vessel’s owner is working closely with Indian authorities.
Indian Air Force Joins Effort, Daring Winch Operation Executed
To intensify the response, the Indian Air Force has been roped in to provide additional aerial support. In a high-risk operation around 3:00 PM on June 11, an ICG helicopter successfully winched five members of the salvage team and an aircrew diver onto the burning vessel. Despite rough sea conditions, the team was inserted to aid firefighting from within and prepare the ship for towing.
Towing Underway to Prevent Ecological Disaster
Given the vessel’s hazardous contents and massive fuel stock, authorities are treating the situation as an environmental emergency. Efforts are underway to connect a towline to pull the vessel further out to sea, reducing the risk of oil spills or explosions near the Indian coastline.
“Containing the fire and securing the vessel’s movement away from sensitive maritime zones are our top priorities,” said an ICG spokesperson. “We are monitoring the situation round-the-clock and coordinating with all stakeholders to mitigate any ecological fallout.”
Situation Remains Critical, Authorities on High Alert
While visible smoke has reduced, the fire’s persistence inside the vessel remains a challenge. Experts warn that if not controlled swiftly, the fire could cause structural damage or lead to spillage of hazardous materials.
The Indian Coast Guard continues to monitor the drifting vessel’s trajectory closely, with further updates expected as the joint operation progresses.
