Coast Guard Battles Fire on Drifting Cargo Ship Off Kerala

12 Jun 2025 CW Team

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) winched five salvage experts and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, on 11 June 2025 to support emergency towing operations. The ship, which caught fire on 9 June off the coast of Kerala, is still drifting south-east within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, about 42 nautical miles from Beypore.

The vessel is laden with 2,128 metric tonnes of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous materials, raising serious concerns about marine pollution and navigational hazards. While ICG’s sustained firefighting operations have largely reduced visible flames, smoke continues to emanate from the cargo holds, with the blaze still active in inner decks and near fuel storage areas.

Currently, five Coast Guard ships, two Dornier aircraft, and a helicopter are deployed for firefighting, aided by two support vessels from the Directorate General of Shipping. The salvage team, appointed by the ship’s owners, is working closely with the Coast Guard, while the Indian Air Force has been asked to provide additional aerial support.

Efforts are underway to attach a towline and steer the vessel away from the coastline to mitigate environmental damage. The situation remains critical and is under constant observation by maritime authorities.

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