The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high alert along Kerala’s coastline as the fire-stricken container vessel Wan Hai 503 continues to pose serious environmental and maritime risks. The Singapore-flagged ship, drifting unmanned approximately 65 nautical miles off Beypore, has been burning since a container explosion triggered a massive onboard blaze on June 9.
According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), roughly 40 percent of the fire has been brought under control, thanks to joint efforts by the ICG and the Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC). A significant breakthrough was achieved when a tow connection was established between the vessel and the Emergency Towing Vessel Water Lily, preventing the ship from drifting closer to shore.
However, the threat is far from over. The Wan Hai 503 was carrying nearly 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel in tanks dangerously close to the origin of the fire, raising initial fears of a major oil spill. Although no oil sheens or spills have been reported so far, INCOIS remains vigilant, employing its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) and Oil Spill Trajectory Systems to simulate potential drift paths of oil and debris.
Simulation models indicate a 60 per cent probability that lost containers or debris may wash ashore between Thalassery and Kochi in the next four to six days. The coastal stretch from Kozhikode to Kochi is at particular risk, prompting INCOIS to advise intensified coastal surveillance and issue precautionary alerts to fishing communities and residents.
INCOIS officials highlighted that unlike the MSC Elsa-3 incident off Alleppey, where shallow waters led to widespread beaching of containers, the current deep-sea situation may result in some debris sinking before reaching land, depending on contents and buoyancy.
In response, multiple ICG vessels—Samudra Prahari, Samarth, Rajdoot, Arnvesh, Abhinav and ICGS 513—remain engaged in containment, salvage and search and rescue operations. Airborne support has also been critical with ICG helicopters airdropping 4,000 kg of dry chemical powder (DCP) to suppress the flames. An additional 10,000 litres of firefighting foam is en route to supplement the 3,000 litres already deployed.
The fire remains active in forward cargo holds, where boundary cooling and foam suppression continue. Despite the challenges, the Wan Hai 503 is reportedly structurally afloat, although hydrocarbon vapour release has been detected—raising concerns of heat transfer near fuel tanks.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining high alert, with the primary focus on extinguishing the blaze and averting a marine environmental disaster. INCOIS will continue to issue updated forecasts and advisories to support decision-makers in risk mitigation and emergency response efforts.
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