Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Fire Largely Contained on Singapore-Flagged Cargo Vessel
A cargo ship caught fire off the coast of India.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are working hard to put the fire out and keep the ship from sinking.
A special team was flown onto the ship to help connect it to a tugboat for towing.
Most of the crew was rescued, but the effort is still ongoing to prevent the situation from worsening.
The fire is now largely contained and cooling is in progress.
Fire on cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503 is largely contained.
Eleven Indian Coast Guard ships are involved in firefighting.
A salvage team was inserted onto the vessel by the Indian Navy.
The incident occurred approximately 44 nautical miles off Kerala, India.
Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued on June 9.
- Who
- Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and salvage teams.
- What
- Ongoing firefighting and salvage operation on the MV Wan Hai 503.
- When
- Fire started June 9, with current firefighting operations ongoing.
- Where
- Off the coast of Kerala, India.
- Why
- To extinguish the fire and prevent further damage or environmental impact.
Environmental Protection
Salvage and Safety
Goals
Environmental Protection
Minimize environmental impact.
Salvage and Safety
Vessel safety
- Vessel Name
- MV Wan Hai 503
- Flag
- Singapore
- Location
- 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala, India
- Firefighting Agencies
- ICG, Navy
- Crew Rescue Status
- 18 rescued
- Number of ICG Ships
- 11
Sources
Fire on container ship: Efforts continue to shift Wan Hai 503 further offshore
Fire on container ship: Efforts continue to shift Wan Hai 503 further offshore
Major milestone in operation to suppress fire onboard Singapore-flagged cargo ship: ICG
Oil tanks sealed, but full risk remains in MSC Elsa wreck: DGS
ICG, Navy Achieve Milestone In MV Wan Hai 503 Ops, Tow Burning Vessel Away From Indian Coast
Singapore vessel on fire towed further out to sea as firefighting continues
MV Wan Hai 503: Coast Guard, Navy tow burning container vessel away from Indian coast
Indian Navy successfully undertook aerial insertion of salvage team onboard MV Wan Hai 503 vessel
ICG, Navy & IAF execute high-risk operation to stabilise fire-hit Singaporean vessel off Kochi
Singapore vessel on fire towed further out to sea as firefighting continues
Vessel fire case: Firefighting continues, 8 ICG ships deployed