|
3 July 2025
Update on Wan Hai 503 Incident: Fire Containment Operations
Wan Hai 503 remains afloat in the waters southwest of India, where response operations are actively ongoing. The onboard fire has been gradually brought under control, though light smoke is still observed in some cargo holds.
Once the vessel's overall condition is stable, the salvor will proceed with a comprehensive on-board inspection and assessment, once the onboard temperature has sufficiently cooled to ensure safety.
Image by Indian Coast Guard.
Wan Hai Lines - Statement on Fire Incident Aboard WAN HAI 503 Vessel
15 June 2025
|
|
Wan Hai activated its emergency response teams on board the ship, and in our offices in Taipei, Singapore and in Mumbai immediately. It also began closely coordinating with the crew, relevant coastal state authorities in India and flag state authorities in Singapore, and insurance providers, to carry out emergency response procedures. No oil pollution was reported.
After joint assessment by the ship's master and local Indian maritime Navy and Coast Guard authorities on the ground, and in accordance with international maritime regulations, the crew was ordered to abandon ship to ensure their safety.
There were 22 crew members aboard. Of these, 4 were missing; 2 from Taiwan, and 1 each from Indonesia and Myanmar. Search and rescue efforts to locate the 4 missing seafarers began immediately and are still on-going at this time. Wan Hai is already in close touch with the family members of the missing crew members.
The remaining 18 crew members were safely evacuated with the assistance of rapid intervention by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Initially five crew members were hospitalised due to injuries. After further medical assessment, one additional crew members with minor injuries was also admitted as a precaution, bringing the total to six. He has since been discharged after examination and treatment.
Image by Wan Hai Lines Ltd.
With the assistance of relevant agencies, the rescued and recovered crew members have been properly accommodated and are receiving the necessary medical and follow up care.
On 10 June 2025, Wan Hai, in consultation with the Indian maritime authorities, appointed an international salvage company, T&T Salvage, to coordinate with the Indian authorities and attend to the salvage of the Wan Hai 503. T&T immediately dispatched their ocean going tug Offshore Warrior to the scene.
On 13 June 2025, at around 1700 hours, with the assistance of the Indian Navy, a salvage team was winched onto the deck of the Wan Hai 503 from an Indian navy helicopter. Subsequently, the team managed to connect a tow rope to the Offshore Warrior to secure the Wan Hai 503. Additionally, T&T Salvage also deployed 3 fire fighting tugs - Garnet, Saksham, Water Lilly and Triton. Two more salvage vessels are scheduled to arrive on scene today - Saroja Blessing and Boka Winger.
The WAN HAI 503 is currently being towed westwards away from the Indian coastline to protect the Indian coastline, and its maritime and fisheries resources.
Wan Hai continues to actively work with Indian maritime authorities, the salvors and insurance providers to continue search and rescue for the missing crew members, and to protect the Indian coast and its marine environment. The salvors will also attempt to protect the remaining cargo on board, and conduct risk evaluation for the ensuing ship salvage operations.
Wan Hai and our crew members are deeply grateful to the Indian authorities - the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard for their rapid response to our master's call for assistance. Their heroic intervention helped prevent further loss of life and injuries to our crew, and the total loss of the ship.
[Wan Hai deeply regrets this incident and any losses arising from it. The Company is doing its utmost to locate our missing crew members, care for our rescued seafarers, and secure the ship.] We acknowledge the genuine concerns expressed by Indian maritime authorities of the risks of damage to their coastlines and marine environment. We have instructed our salvors to prioritize protection of the marine environment in their on-going salvage operations.
In addition to T&T Salvage, TMC Marine, a member of the international ship classification society Bureau Veritas group, was also appointed as consultants to advise and assist Wan Hai and its insurers in the on-going salvage operations.
The WAN HAI 503 sails under the Singaporean flag and operates on the South China-India route in a joint service with Evergreen Marine Corp and Germany's Hapag-Lloyd. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are assessing all cargo and possible origins. Wan Hai is actively assisting with the on-going investigations by the Indian coastal state and the Singapore flag state authorities into this incident.
We will provide timely updates as more information becomes available.
If you have any questions and need any further information on your cargo, please reach out to your local representative. We will update you as more become available.
Wan Hai Lines Ltd. press release
