Wan Hai 503: Fire Still Smoldering, Salvors Plan to Relocate Container Ship to Safe Harbor
Two weeks after the fire broke out aboard the container ship Wan Hai 503, active fire zones remain, and one area has reignited. According to the Directorate General of Shipping of India, discussions are underway this week to finalize plans for relocating the vessel to a refuge port amid growing concerns over the ship’s stability.
Despite progress in firefighting efforts, full extinguishment has not been achieved. Salvors have now managed to board the vessel and begin inspections. One of their key objectives is to activate the emergency generator, which could assist both in firefighting operations and, if needed, in steering the ship toward port.
Currently, the vessel is being held 70 nautical miles offshore, tethered by towing lines to the salvage tug Ocean Warrior. Over the weekend, authorities considered moving the ship 200 nautical miles further out, but any relocation will depend on the results of ongoing inspections.
Water ingress has been reported in the aft section, including the engine room, causing the vessel’s stern to sink by approximately 30 cm. A diving operation was scheduled for June 23 to inspect the hull, identify the source of flooding, and evaluate the use of submersible pumps to dewater affected areas.
Hotspots remain on board, and firefighting and regional cooling efforts continue. Weather conditions are adding to the challenge, with moderate to rough seas, squalls, and winds of 14–16 knots. The ship continues to drift at 1.3 knots while secured by towing lines. Four salvage vessels remain on-site, using thermal imaging equipment and firefighting gear.
A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, to discuss relocating the vessel to Hambantota, Sri Lanka, which has been selected as the preferred refuge port. Indian ports have declined to accept the ship, and earlier discussions also included potential towing to Jebel Ali, Bahrain, or Colombo. Plans are being developed with weather and route assessments in mind, and the Directorate has stated that if signs of deteriorating stability emerge, an emergency relocation will be carried out immediately.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the ship’s Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) has been recovered and brought ashore. A data analysis meeting is scheduled for June 26 with oversight and a witness from the P&I Club.
Indian authorities are also investigating possible misdeclaration or concealment of hazardous cargo, as well as the crew’s actions in handling the cargo and responding to the fire.
