Update on MV Wan Hai 503 Fire Incident
The MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, continues to face challenges after a fire ignited on June 9, following a container explosion off Kerala’s coast. Two crew members are in intensive care, one with 40% burns, while the remaining four are stable, with one set for discharge. The ongoing fire poses significant risks to both the crew’s safety and the environment.
The Indian Coast Guard has managed to control outer fires, but flames persist in the ship’s inner decks, dangerously close to fuel tanks. This complicates firefighting efforts and raises concerns about a potential environmental disaster. The vessel is currently drifting southeast, approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, carrying over 122,000 metric tons of fuel and hazardous materials.
A high-risk salvage operation is underway, involving multiple Coast Guard ships and aircraft. A helicopter successfully deployed a salvage team to secure a towline, aiming to guide the ship to safer waters. Despite rough sea conditions, authorities emphasize that extinguishing the fire and towing the vessel away from the coast are top priorities.
The incident began 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, with 18 crew members rescued and four still unaccounted for.
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