Burning boxship towed away from Indian coast

A CONTAINERSHIP that has been burning for nearly a week has been towed away from the Indian coast to avoid any further environmental damage.

Crew on board Singapore-flagged Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) reported thick smoke on June 9. After consultation with the ship’s master and local authorities, the crew were ordered to abandon ship.

All but four of the vessel’s 22-strong crew were rescued, but search and rescue efforts remain ongoing to find those missing.

Indian Coast Guard vessels have battled to contain and extinguish the fires burning on Wan Hai 503 for nearly a week, but the coastguard confirmed that salvors were winched on board via helicopter on June 13.

The vessel has since been towed by salvage tugs and now sits 35 nautical miles off the Indian coastline. The fire is almost out, the coastguard said, with smoke and some hotspots still remaining. The vessel will be held 50 nautical miles from the shore until a decision about its future is made, the coastguard added.

Update on #MVWanHai503 Incident: A major breakthrough in salvage Ops as tow was transferred from @IndiaCoastGuard to tug Offshore Warrior on 13 June 25. Despite hostile weather, @IndianNavy's Sea King helo winched salvors on to the vessel 20 NM off #Kochi. 03 #ICG Ships escorting… pic.twitter.com/KYkXlbj1pK

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 14, 2025

Wan Hai Lines said it and its crew members were “deeply grateful to the Indian authorities — the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard for their rapid response to our master’s call for assistance”.

“Their heroic intervention helped prevent further loss of life and injuries to our crew, and the total loss of the ship.”

The line said it is in “close touch” with the families of the missing seafarers. Salvors will now attempt to save the remaining cargo and make preparations for the next steps in the vessel’s salvage.