Indian authorities have successfully towed the container ship Wan Hai 503 further offshore in an effort to contain the fire and minimize environmental risks.
The vessel, which had been drifting dangerously close to Kerala’s coast with flames still burning in its inner decks, has now been secured approximately 45 nautical miles from shore in waters over 1,000 metres deep, according to The Times of India.
This operation was made possible by a helicopter mission in which salvage teams were winched onto the Wan Hai 503 to attach tow lines, despite ongoing hotspots and rough sea conditions.
Furthermore, the Indian Ministry of Defence stated that moving the ship to deeper waters has reduced the immediate coastal threat, however firefighting efforts continuing as smoke is still rising from the midsection.
Major milestone in the ongoing
operation to suppress the fire onboard MV #WahHai503 and protect #MarineEnvironment !@IndiaCoastGuard ships undertaking FF Op enabled tow connect up of Salvage vessel in extremely challenging and daunting operation. @indiannavy #Seaking… pic.twitter.com/KTFJl6I5fx— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 13, 2025
The search for four missing crew members is ongoing, with support from Coast Guard and Navy patrols. Of the 18 crew members rescued, most have been discharged from the hospital, with two still receiving treatment.
While the fire is reportedly “largely under control,” it has not been fully extinguished and the cause remains under investigation.
Over 2,000 tonnes of fuel and hazardous cargo remain onboard and the Directorate General of Shipping has warned of potential debris after at least 24 containers fell overboard, advising local communities to avoid any material that washes ashore.
