The Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire 78 nautical miles off the coast of Beypore, Kerala, on Monday, June 9. As a result, the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard quickly deployed their resources to help.

Navy and Coast Guard Respond Swiftly

The Defence Public Relations Office (PRO) in Kochi posted on social media that the Indian Navy diverted INS Surat and planned a DO sortie from INS Garuda to assist the vessel. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard sent a CG Dornier aircraft along with other assets for rescue and damage assessment.

🚨 On 09 Jun 25, fire incident reported onboard Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 , 78 NM off #Beypore.⁰🔹 @indiannavy diverted INS Surat & planned DO sortie from #INSGaruda.⁰🔹 @IndiaCoastGuard deployed multiple assets including CG Dornier for rescue &… pic.twitter.com/rf7n6gfLA6

— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) June 9, 2025

Multiple Ships and Aircraft Involved in Rescue

Further updates from the Defence PRO revealed that five Coast Guard ships—Sachet, Arnvesh, Samudra Prahari, Abhinav, and Rajdoot—were engaged in the rescue mission. Additionally, a C144 aircraft was deployed to support the operation.

Preparedness for Pollution Control

The ship Samudra Prahari, which specializes in pollution control and oil spill containment, was part of the rescue fleet. This indicates that authorities were ready to handle any environmental hazards. As of 2 p.m., the vessel was still on fire and drifting.

Crew Evacuated and Rescued

Of the 22 crew members onboard, 18 abandoned the ship using a boat. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are currently rescuing them. The cause of the fire is unknown, and no casualties have been reported so far.