MV Wan Hai 503 cargo vessel remains adrift and out of control; five ships and three aircraft deployed for rescue operation

KOZHIKODE: The MV Wan Hai 503 cargo vessel, which caught fire following an accident in the Arabian Sea, remains adrift and out of control, according to the Indian Navy. The ship is drifting without direction, while firefighting operations are underway to contain the blaze.

Authorities in India have alerted Singapore's maritime officials about the incident. The vessel is managed by BSM, and the Indian Ministry of Shipping is maintaining contact with the company. The crew includes nationals from China, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Of the 22 crew members who leapt into the sea to escape the fire, 18 have been rescued so far. Four people — reportedly from Myanmar and Indonesia — are still missing. Among the rescued, five sustained injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Details about the cargo on board remain undisclosed, but the Navy suspects that the fire may have originated from materials that are prone to ignition through air exposure or friction.

The Indian Coast Guard has deployed five ships and three aircraft to support the rescue operation. The vessels ICGS Rajdoot, Arnavesh, and Sachet have already reached the site of the incident. According to the Coast Guard, rescue efforts remain the top priority, alongside continuous attempts to douse the fire.