The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues intense firefighting operations on the MV WAN HAI 503, a cargo vessel that caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9. The ship remains adrift within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, carrying tonnes of fuel and cargo. Officials are racing to control the blaze and prevent a major environmental hazard near Beypore.
ICG personnel have been working under extreme conditions, deploying firefighting teams via helicopter and ship to control the blaze. A thousand kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder was dropped from an IAF chopper to suppress flames. While external fires have been doused, thick smoke still emanates, indicating active internal heat zones. Teams remain on alert as firefighting continues both from the air and sea, preventing further spread toward the coastline.
The vessel, which is Singapore-flagged, is reportedly carrying over 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of fuel and hundreds of container units. These pose a serious risk to marine biodiversity and shipping lanes. A towline has been secured to steer the ship away from the coast, aiming to minimise the risk of fuel spillage or structural failure that could exacerbate the environmental threat.
Multiple agencies, including five ICG ships, two Dornier aircraft, and helicopters, have been pressed into action. Coordination is ongoing with the Directorate General of Shipping and a salvage team engaged by the ship’s owners. IAF support has also been requested. Monitoring efforts remain constant, with reports of fire persisting in the inner decks and areas surrounding the ship’s fuel tanks.
The MV WAN HAI 503 continues to pose a high-risk situation off Kerala’s coast. While firefighting efforts have made significant progress, full containment remains a challenge. The Coast Guard’s proactive measures are critical to avoiding ecological fallout. Continuous monitoring, aerial support, and coordinated response will determine how quickly the ship can be stabilised and towed to safety.
As the cargo vessel MV WAN HAI 503 drifts perilously off the Kerala coast, the Indian Coast Guard’s round-the-clock operations reflect the urgency of the crisis. With substantial fuel onboard and structural concerns, the mission remains delicate. Controlling the fire and ensuring safe towing are top priorities to protect coastal ecosystems and maritime activity. The situation remains critical and under constant observation by national authorities.
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ICG Fights Fire on Drifting Cargo Ship off Kerala