In a coordinated high-risk maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully stabilized the fire-affected Singaporean container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, with the ocean-going tug Offshore Warrior on June 13, 2025. The vessel, which had been under constant ICG surveillance and held in position away from Kerala’s coastline, began drifting dangerously toward the shore due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and strong westerly winds.
The firefighting and salvage operation, carried out under adverse environmental and operational constraints, underscores India’s multi-agency maritime response capability. The successful engagement demonstrates interoperability among the Indian Armed Forces and their readiness to counter maritime emergencies within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Coordinated Aerial Operation To Salvage MV Wan Hai 503
Amid volatile sea conditions and persistent onboard fire, the Indian Navy conducted a rapid aerial operation to insert a specialized salvage team onto MV Wan Hai 503. The operation commenced with the salvage crew embarking aboard a Sea King helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi. Despite restricted aerial visibility and a turbulent sea, the team was successfully winched down to the vessel’s deck.
The insertion occurred approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, marking a significant achievement in airborne maritime operations. The salvage team’s primary objective was to connect a 600-meter tow line to Offshore Warrior, a specialized ocean salvage tug mobilized for long-distance towing of disabled vessels.
Following the tow connection, the salvage crew was immediately extracted by the same naval helicopter, ensuring personnel safety in the highly hazardous operational zone.
Fire Under Control Onboard The MV Wan Hai 503
The Indian Coast Guard has maintained a continuous presence in the vicinity of MV Wan Hai 503 with three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) providing round-the-clock escort and active firefighting support. The operation has transitioned from emergency response to stabilization, with onboard conditions showing significant improvement.
Currently, only dense smoke and a few isolated hotspots persist, indicating that the fire is largely under control. The effectiveness of the ICG’s damage control and fire suppression efforts has likely prevented a catastrophic maritime environmental incident, particularly given the vessel’s hazardous cargo.
As the lead maritime search and rescue agency under the Ministry of Defence, the ICG’s coordinated engagement reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime environment and economic interests.
Coordination with National and International Maritime Authorities
The ICG continues to operate in close coordination with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to ensure that MV Wan Hai 503 remains at a safe distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the Indian coastline. This is in strict compliance with international maritime safety and environmental protection protocols, allowing time for the vessel’s owners and flag-state authorities to decide the final course of action regarding the ship’s fate.
The Directorate General of Shipping has been actively monitoring the situation and providing oversight on salvage protocols per the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Further stabilization of the situation is anticipated with the arrival of additional firefighting tugs contracted by the vessel’s owners. These tugs are expected to enhance cooling and de-smoke operations while ensuring that fire does not rekindle in remaining cargo areas.
Key Operational Takeaways
This operation serves as a compelling demonstration of India’s maritime readiness and highlights the strategic value of joint military operations in safeguarding national and regional maritime security. The ICG has previously conducted several successful rescue operations, together with the Indian Armed Forces, particularly during the Landslide in Wayanad, and also personnel rescue operations such as the rescue of the crew from the Stranded Bulk Carrier Off Alibaug Coast.
The rapid mobilization, combined with the precise execution of an aerial salvage insertion under duress, reflects the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to international safety standards and disaster response effectiveness.
