Kochi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has transferred the tow of MV Wan Hai 503 to the ocean-going tug Offshore Warrior. The container ship that was drifting after it caught fire due an explosion on board, is now being towed away from the Kerala coast.
“The transfer of tow was essential for the progress of the operation, as ICG vessels have limited bollard pull (towing capacity). For the past few days, ICG ships had been maintaining the vessel’s position away from the coast. However, sudden deterioration in weather conditions, accompanied by strong westerly winds, caused the vessel to drift rapidly towards the shoreline,” an ICG official said.
The adverse weather restricted aerial operations and delayed the embarkation of salvage team members onto the vessel. Despite these challenges, an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter winched them down at 5 pm on Friday. This was done under extremely difficult conditions by the helicopter launched from Kochi.
Subsequently, a 600-metre long tow rope was connected to the ocean-going tug approximately 20 nautical miles off Kochi. This crucial joint operation involving the ICG, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force enabled the salvors to take over the vessel from the ICG and continue the firefighting and salvage work.
“The vessel is currently being towed westward at a speed of about 1.8 knots. It is now nearly 35 nautical miles off the coast. Three ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels are escorting the ship while also continuing essential firefighting efforts. Now, only thick smoke and a few remaining hotspots are visible onboard MV Wan Hai 503 – a testament to the effective and sustained firefighting operations carried out by the ICG, which helped prevent a potential environmental disaster,” the official said.
The ICG is closely coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure the vessel remains at least 50 nautical miles from the Indian coastline until a suitable fate is decided by the owners of the vessel, in line with internationally accepted practices. The situation is expected to further stabilise with the anticipated arrival of additional firefighting tugs to support the ongoing operation.
“The ICG remains ever-prepared to respond to such contingencies and continues to work in close synergy with sister services, state authorities, regulatory agencies, and private salvors to ensure the safety of life, property, and the marine ecosystem,” the official added.
