Date: July 1, 2025
Location: Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Summary:
The smoldering fire aboard the Wan Hai 503 containership has prompted Indian authorities and a private salvage team to tow the vessel 130 nautical miles offshore, with plans to exit the Indian EEZ. Persistent fire, structural instability, and rough weather complicate firefighting and salvage operations.
Ongoing Fire Threatens Wan Hai 503 Stability
Three weeks after the Wan Hai 503 was abandoned due to a fire on June 9, the vessel remains in a structurally compromised but stable condition, according to India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). The primary concern is the persistent smoldering fire in Cargo Hold No. 4, which continues to burn due to airflow from collapsed deck areas and containers.
Key Risks:
- Smoldering fire in Cargo Hold No. 4
- Flooded engine room
- Unpredictable weather with high winds and swells
- Structural listing and low stern position
Salvage Efforts Hampered by Rough Seas
Despite efforts by the salvage team, including pumping out 500 to 800 cubic meters of water from the engine room, the vessel remains at risk. The ship is listing to port and has only 76% of its structural stability against allowable sea forces.
Attempts to board the vessel on June 28 were unsuccessful due to unsafe sea conditions, with winds reaching 42 knots in squalls. The DGS reported moderate to rough seas, further delaying firefighting and dewatering operations.
Vessel Towed Away from Indian Coastline
Due to the environmental threat and inability to contain the fire, Indian authorities denied the vessel a port of refuge. Instead, they ordered it to be towed further offshore. As of June 30, the vessel was 54 nautical miles from exiting the Indian EEZ.
The Offshore Warrior, the towing vessel, is currently moving the Wan Hai 503 at 2.9 knots using soft towlines, with plans to add wire towlines once weather conditions improve.
What’s Next for Wan Hai 503?
Once the vessel exits the Indian EEZ, the private salvage company hired by the ship’s owners will take over full responsibility. India’s DGS will reduce its involvement but continue to provide updates to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the vessel’s flag state.
Planned Actions:
- Continue boundary cooling and fire suppression
- Resume dewatering operations
- Await formal clearance for potential tow to Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Conclusion
The Wan Hai 503 incident underscores the challenges of maritime firefighting and salvage in open seas. With the vessel still burning and structurally compromised, the situation remains fluid. Authorities and salvage teams are racing against time and weather to prevent a larger environmental disaster.
The Maritime-Hub News Network
