Indian Coast Guard Races To Tow Burning Cargo Ship Away From Kerala Coast To Avert Potential Ecological Disaster

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Wednesday (11 June) deployed five salvage team members and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to assist in towing efforts, as the ship continues to drift within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), posing a serious ecological threat.

The container ship, which caught fire on 9 June off the Kerala coast, remains ablaze internally despite visible flames being significantly reduced through sustained ICG firefighting operations.

According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, the vessel is currently located approximately 42 nautical miles south-east of Beypore, Kerala, carrying 2,128 metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo.

Though flames on the upper decks have been subdued, smoke continues to rise from cargo holds and bays.

The fire is still active in the ship’s inner compartments and near the fuel tanks, raising concerns over a potential explosion or fuel leak.

Five ICG ships, two Dornier surveillance aircraft, and a helicopter are actively engaged in the operation.

They are being assisted by two vessels deployed by the Directorate General of Shipping.

A salvage team appointed by the vessel's owners is now working in tandem with the ICG to contain the situation.

The Indian Air Force has also been requested to provide additional aerial support for the firefighting mission.

"With the fire yet to be fully extinguished, efforts to establish a towline and pull the vessel away from the coast are underway to prevent a potential ecological disaster," the ministry said.

The ministry added that the situation remains critical and is being monitored continuously.

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