Fire on Wan Hai 503 partially contained; international experts en route to Kerala as vessel remains adrift

The fire onboard MV Wan Hai 503 has been partially contained, with around 40 per cent of the blaze suppressed, according to the Indian Coast Guard. However, the Singapore-flagged vessel—which caught fire approximately 44 nautical miles southwest of Azhikkal near Kerala's Beypore — remains unmanned and adrift, drifting southeast at a speed of approximately one knot. As of the latest update, the vessel was located about 65 nautical miles off the Kerala coast.

 

Firefighting and boundary cooling operations are underway in the forward bays where the fire originated. Preparations are in progress to shift focus to the aft section if needed. The Indian Coast Guard is coordinating with salvors to determine the most suitable point—likely the bow or stern—for connecting a towline once conditions permit.

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The Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and salvage partners are continuing an extensive joint firefighting and search operation. On June 10, ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Sachet engaged in firefighting using foam in the forward bays. ICGS Samarth, equipped with a helicopter, is conducting boundary cooling operations. Indian Navy vessels are also supporting the effort.

 

A total of five tugs and support vessels are currently engaged in the mission, with additional vessels—including Saroja Blessing, Garnet, Saksham, and one standby unit from Mumbai—expected to join by June 12. Saroja Blessing is equipped with 80 kg of firefighting foam and will be loaded with an additional 1,000 kg. International firefighting specialists from Spain, the UK, and the Netherlands are expected to arrive within the next three days. Chemists and salvage experts are also set to board the vessel.

 

According to the latest situation report, the vessel remains afloat but continues to emit heavy smoke. “No structural compromise has been reported so far; however, thermal and gas hazards persist near the affected compartments. The stern remains clear, offering a potential window for towing after full fire suppression,” the report stated.

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The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are tracking the vessel’s position in real time. One major concern is the ship’s cargo of approximately 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel stored in tanks adjacent to the fire zone. Drifting containers are also being monitored, with several already found southeast of the vessel’s location. Container recovery operations are expected to begin soon, supported by five supply and recovery vessels. ICG and the Indian National Hydrographic Office (INHO) have issued warnings to passing vessels.

 

A high-level coordination meeting held on June 10 included representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, ICG, Navy, DGS, MPA Singapore, Wan Hai Lines, and T&T Salvage.

 

In addition to firefighting and search-and-rescue operations, top priorities include mobilizing international firefighting teams, ensuring the rapid supply of foam and dry chemical powder (DCP), and planning for safe towline connection. The search for four missing crew members is also continuing.

 

According to the vessel’s owners, MV Wan Hai 503 was carrying 1,754 containers—1,083 below deck and 671 on deck—including 143 containers classified as International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). Initial reports had placed the number at 157. Third-party agencies are being engaged for cargo verification and recovery, with additional personnel hired for on-site operations. Of the 18 rescued crew members, two are hospitalized while the remaining 16 are accommodated at a hotel in New Mangalore.

Maritime