WAN HAI 503 continues to burn off Kerala Coast
All 18 rescued crew members reach New Mangalore Port, getting medical attention, four still missing.
Photo/Video Credit: Indian Coast Guard/X
Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503 continued to be ablaze about 130 nautical miles off Kerala Coast.
The latest update from the Indian Coast Guard of X says: "Fires & explosions persist from mid‑ships to the container bay ahead of the accommodation block. Forward‑bay fire is now under control, though thick smoke remains. The vessel is listing approx 10–15° to port. More containers were reported overboard.
"India Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari & Sachet are conducting fi‑fi operations & boundary cooling. ICG Ship Samarth along with salvors being deployed from Kochi."
It was reported earlier that 18 crew members have been rescued while four were missing."Singapore Flag Administration & DG Shipping have been notified. Environmental protection measures are being initiated, and the situation remains critical. All efforts are being made to stabilise the vessel and ensure the safety of remaining crew members and the marine environment."
All the 18 rescued crew members have reached New Mangalore Port late Monday night, The Hindu Businessline reported.
"Of them, two were critically injured while four others had minor injuries. Arrangements were made to provide immediate attention to all the injured." The fire and explosion occurred on June 9, 2025 when the ship was sailing from Colombo to Mumbai.
WAN HAI 503 is a container ship built in 2005 (20 years old) and is managed by Wan Hai Lines (Singapore).
In a similar incident, all 24 crew members of Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 were rescued safely - 21 by India Coast Guard and three by Indian Navy ship Sujata after the vessel sank off Kochi on May 24, 2025. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide.
