Since June 9, the container vessel Wan Hai 503 has been burning in the Arabian Sea, but the Indian Coast Guard vessel Samudra Prahari has successfully taken it under tow, preventing it from drifting closer to the shoreline. The vessel is expected to be handed over to several tugs that will tow it further away from the coast.
A large-scale emergency response is underway, involving four Indian Coast Guard ships, Indian Air Force helicopters, and rescue teams. According to the latest updates, about 40% of the fire has been brought under control. However, internal decks are still burning, and thick grey smoke continues to pour from the forward cargo holds.
Approximately 20,000 liters of firefighting foam are being transported from Mumbai to aid the operation. Helicopters are deploying dry chemicals, while ships are continuously spraying water onto the vessel.
Indian authorities remain concerned about potential environmental impact, as the ship carries 2,128 metric tons of fuel and hazardous materials in some of its containers. Officials report that around 24 containers have fallen overboard—some may still be afloat, but most are believed to have sunk.
