Coast Guard Battles Fire on Drifting Cargo Ship Off Kerala
PORTS & SHIPPING

Coast Guard Battles Fire on Drifting Cargo Ship Off Kerala

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hexalog Appoints Vishal Shukla as Chief Transformation Officer

Hexalog, a cross-border supply chain and logistics company, has appointed Vishal Shukla as Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) to lead its operational transformation, technology adoption and expansion into new international markets.In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company's transformation strategy across operations, technology, product development and business expansion. His responsibilities include standardising processes, developing scalable operating models, strengthening existing trade corridors and introducing new fulfilment solutions for cross-border businesses.Shukla brings nearl..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dhuleva Group Awards 80-Storey Tower Contract to Eversendai

Dhuleva Group has awarded the core and shell structural construction contract for Dhuleva One50, an upcoming 80-storey ultra-luxury residential tower in South Mumbai, to Malaysia-based engineering and construction company Eversendai.Located near the Babulnath district, the development is planned as a high-rise residential landmark offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai's skyline. The project will combine contemporary architecture with advanced engineering and premium residential facilities.Eversendai will undertake the structural construction works, drawing on its experience in..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India's building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.The company's journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code