China Expresses Gratitude for Indian Navy's Timely Rescue
China has warmly thanked India for the prompt and efficient rescue of the crew aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire near the Kerala coast on June 9. The vessel suffered a devastating onboard explosion and fire while sailing en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai.
Incident Overview: Explosion and Fire at Sea
The explosion occurred approximately 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala, triggering a large-scale fire on the ship. At the time, 22 crew members were on board, including 14 Chinese nationals— among them 6 Taiwan residents. Unfortunately, four crew members remain missing, five sustained injuries, and the remaining 18 were successfully rescued by Indian forces.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard's Crucial Role
China’s embassy spokesperson praised the professionalism and timeliness of the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard in launching the rescue efforts, which were critical in saving the majority of the crew. The vessel currently remains adrift as search and rescue operations continue.
Ongoing Search Efforts and Environmental Concerns
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has activated its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to monitor the possible movements of drifting containers, debris, and any individuals who may have gone overboard. Environmental authorities have also issued warnings about the potential for an oil spill, although the exact extent is still unknown.
Forecast models predict any leaked oil could drift parallel to the coastline between June 10 and June 13, prompting local agencies to ramp up coastal surveillance and prepare for potential hazards to navigation and shoreline safety.
Looking Ahead
The Chinese side has voiced hope for the success of ongoing search operations and wished a speedy recovery to the injured crew members. Meanwhile, Indian agencies maintain vigilant monitoring of the situation to minimize environmental damage and ensure maritime safety.
