Ship fire: ICG, Navy and IAF execute high-risk operation; tow burning Singaporean ship away from coast | India News

In a crucial breakthrough in the firefighting and salvage mission of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, Indian maritime forces successfully transferred tow control of the distressed container vessel to an ocean-going tug, Offshore Warrior, on 13 June. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which had been holding the vessel off the Kerala coast for several days, faced a fresh challenge as worsening weather and powerful westerly winds caused the vessel to drift dangerously towards the shoreline. Despite adverse conditions that grounded aerial operations and delayed the salvage team’s boarding, a Navy Sea King helicopter from Kochi managed to winch team members onto the vessel under extremely challenging conditions. The team then connected a 600-metre tow line to the Offshore Warrior around 20 nautical miles off Kochi’s coast. As per the official statement, the ship is now being towed westwards at a speed of 1.8 knots and is currently 35 nautical miles offshore. Three ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels continue to escort the ship and carry out firefighting efforts. While thick smoke and a few hotspots remain onboard, authorities said a major environmental crisis has likely been averted, crediting the ICG’s swift and sustained response. The ICG is now working closely with the directorate general of shipping to ensure the vessel remains at least 50 nautical miles from Indian shores, until its next course of action is decided by the owners in line with international protocols.