Wan Hai 503 fire partially contained, INCOIS warns of possible debris and oil spill along Kerala shoreline
KOCHI : Kerala’s coastline will remain on high alert as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of possible environmental hazards in the wake of the fire aboard the container vessel MV Wan Hai 503.
Simulation models predict that debris, and lost containers, could wash ashore between Kozhikode and Kochi in the coming days, even as firefighting and salvage operations battle to stabilise the stricken ship off the coast.
With nearly 40 percent of the blaze brought under control and a critical tow connection established, authorities race against time to avert further crisis.
According to the latest information from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the Wan Hai 503 remains unmanned and is drifting in a south-southeasterly direction at approximately one knot.
The vessel is currently positioned around 65 nautical miles off Beypore, beyond the 1,000-metre depth contour in deep-sea waters.
The vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel oil, stored in tanks located perilously close to the initial fire zone, raising fears of an environmental escalation when the incident was first reported.
In response, INCOIS promptly activated its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) and Oil Spill Trajectory Systems to simulate the potential spread of oil and drift of debris.
These systems help forecast the movement of pollutants and floating containers, assisting decision-makers in planning effective containment and clean-up operations.
Simulation results indicate a 60 percent probability that containers, debris, or possible casualties that went overboard from the Wan Hai 503 may wash ashore between Thalassery and Kochi within the next 4-6 days.
The risk of beaching is especially significant along the stretch from Kozhikode to Kochi.
INCOIS has also released a hypothetical advisory for a simulated oil spill off Kozhikode based on current environmental conditions:
By 2000 hours on 12 June: Spill projected to drift southeast, approaching the coast.
By 2000 hours on 13 June: The pollutant continues drifting southeast.
By 2000 hours on 14 June: Potential beaching expected along the Chavakkad to Kochi coastline.
By 2000 hours on 15 June: Spill anticipated to reach the Ernakulam coast.
The forecasted spill movement is being continuously monitored using real-time marine data, with periodic advisories planned to keep authorities and the public informed.
INCOIS experts noted that unlike the MSC Elsa-3 incident off Alleppey, where shallow waters and nearshore currents caused widespread container drift and beaching, the current event in deep-sea conditions reduces the likelihood of debris reaching the shore.
In such offshore scenarios, floating containers are more likely to sink, depending on their buoyancy and contents.
Authorities have been urged to intensify coastal surveillance and issue precautionary advisories to fishing communities and coastal residents. The advisory recommends preparations for potential marine navigation hazards, shoreline contamination, and to remain vigilant for stranded containers or oil slicks.
INCOIS, in close coordination with the Coast Guard and other stakeholders, will continue to issue updated forecasts and advisories to aid in risk mitigation and emergency response operations.
Firefighting and salvage operations aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel Wan Hai 503 entered their fourth day on Thursday, with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC) focusing on extinguishing the blaze and averting a potential marine disaster off the Kerala coast.
The container ship, currently drifting southeast, caught fire following a container explosion on 9 June while en route to Nhava Sheva.
The incident resulted in a major onboard blaze that quickly spread across the vessel.
The ship remains unmanned and afloat, posing risks due to its hazardous cargo and the threat of hydrocarbon release.
On Wednesday, a significant breakthrough was achieved when salvage personnel from MERC, supported by Indian Coast Guard divers, successfully established a tow connection between the vessel and the Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily.
This connection has enabled efforts to keep Wan Hai 503 safely away from the coastline while containment operations continue.
According to updates from the ICG, around 40 percent of the fire has been brought under control.
Firefighting teams are concentrating their efforts on the forward cargo holds, where boundary cooling and foam-based suppression are actively being carried out by ICG vessels Samudra Prahari and Samarth. Additionally, ICG ships Rajdoot, Arnvesh, Abhinav, and ICGS 513 remain engaged in search and rescue operations in the vicinity.
ICG helicopters also played a crucial role on Thursday by air-dropping 4000 kg of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) over the vessel to suppress the blaze.
Notably, 1,000 kilograms of DCP procured by MERC was routed to the Beypore air base and received by the ICG for operational deployment.
At present, approximately 3,000 litres of firefighting foam are available on-site, with an additional 10,000 litres en route to support ongoing suppression operations.
According to ICG, “The firefighting operations have significantly reduced the blaze onboard Wan Hai 503 and the vessel held safely away from the coast.” It also added that, no oil spill/sheens were reported.
The Salvage Master has confirmed continuous hydrocarbon vapour release, suggesting possible heat transfer near the vessel’s fuel tanks.
However, the Wan Hai 503 remains structurally afloat. Continuous onboard assessments are being conducted to monitor any escalation in the situation.
Despite the partial containment of the fire, the vessel’s hazardous cargo continues to pose a significant risk.
Authorities remain on high alert, with the primary focus on extinguishing the blaze and preventing environmental damage.
The ongoing firefighting and salvage operations on the container vessel Wan Hai 503, adrift off the Kerala coast, have entered a critical phase as weather conditions are set to worsen in the coming days.
According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), strong westerly winds, extremely heavy rainfall, and rough seas are expected over Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep between 14 and 16 June, with wind speeds likely touching 50-60 kmph.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) teams, supported by an IAF Mi-17 helicopter, have been deploying Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) to combat the fire, which continues to emit heavy grey and black smoke from the forward cargo holds.
Persistent heat zones and hydrocarbon vapours near the vessel’s fuel tanks indicate ongoing thermal activity, posing a serious risk of escalation.
While the Wan Hai 503 remains afloat, its steady drift at 1.5-2 knots threatens potential coastal impact.
Salvage teams confirmed the need for continuous boundary cooling and urgent towing arrangements to move the vessel to safer waters before rough sea conditions compromise containment and environmental safety efforts.
