The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) remains locked in a high-stakes firefighting operation aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9. Despite adverse sea conditions and ongoing internal flames, the ICG continues its relentless efforts to contain the blaze and avert a major environmental disaster.
On Thursday, a specialised aerial firefighting team—comprising one pilot and two aircrew divers—was deployed via an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter. The crew successfully dispersed 1,000 kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) directly onto the fire’s core in a precision mission aimed at suppressing the stubborn blaze deep within the vessel.
While external flames have been subdued, thick smoke continues to rise from the ship, suggesting ongoing internal heat and the presence of possible metallic fires. Authorities warn the fire is still active in inner cargo decks and areas adjacent to fuel tanks, increasing the urgency of the response.
The MV Wan Hai 503, carrying 1.2 lakh metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers—including hazardous cargo, remains a serious threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal infrastructure. The vessel is currently drifting 42 nautical miles southeast of Beypore within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting a coordinated maritime and aerial response.
To stabilize the vessel and prevent further drift toward the coast, the ICG has secured it with a towline while maintaining continuous surveillance and containment readiness.
“Intensive firefighting efforts by ICG have significantly reduced visible flames, with only smoke now seen across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire remains active in the inner decks and near fuel tanks,” an official release from the Ministry of Defence stated.
Earlier this week, five salvage experts and an aircrew diver were winched aboard the vessel by helicopter to assist with firefighting and towing operations. Five ICG ships, two Dornier surveillance aircraft, and a helicopter are currently engaged in the mission, supported by two ships from the Directorate General of Shipping. Additional aerial support from the Indian Air Force has also been requested to bolster the ongoing response.
A salvage team appointed by the ship’s owners is working closely with ICG personnel to achieve full containment and begin safe recovery operations.
