THE container ship Wan Hai 503, burning off Kerala since June 9, has been taken under tow and will be moved more than 50 nautical miles from the coast as part of an ongoing salvage operation aimed at mitigating environmental risks.
The company said the vessel was towed westwards away from the Indian coastline to protect the coastline, and its maritime and fisheries resources.
The vessel, currently positioned 35 nautical miles off Kochi, is being towed further offshore after salvors successfully transferred the towing arrangement from Coast Guard ships to the salvage tug Offshore Warrior. The transfer was carried out under challenging weather conditions, with the Indian Navy deploying a Sea King helicopter to winch salvors onto the vessel and complete the operation.
The Coast Guard said three of its ships are escorting the vessel and continuing firefighting operations. The blaze is now largely contained, with thick smoke and isolated hotspots remaining.
The ship will be held more than 50 nautical miles from the coast pending further decisions, as authorities work to prevent any potential environmental impact.
The fire broke out on June 9, 2025. Four crew members remain missing: Two from Taiwan, and 1 each from Indonesia and Myanmar. Wan Hai said it was already in close touch with the family members of the missing crew members.
Eighteen seafarers were rescued, two of whom are in critical condition with severe burns, writes UK, Surrey's WorldCargo News.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250600000460
|
Back:
Next:
