Smoke Still Rises from Wan Hai 503; Company Begins Damage Assessment

Kochi: More than a month after a massive fire broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel Wan Hai 503, the ship remains stranded 135 nautical miles off the Indian coast, with light smoke still rising from multiple sections. Although the visible flames have subsided, concerns persist over the possibility of reignition, prompting salvage teams to intensify cooling efforts.
The fire, which started on June 9 during the vessel’s voyage from Colombo to Mumbai, was triggered by explosions in containers stored midship. Nearly 40 to 50 containers fell into the sea, and the crew was forced to abandon the vessel. Of the 18 seafarers onboard, four crew members remain missing, raising further questions over the ship’s safety protocols and cargo handling.
The shipping company, Wan Hai Lines, along with its insurance provider, has initiated a formal damage assessment. An expert has been appointed to conduct the evaluation and submit a detailed report soon. Initial estimates suggest losses running into several crores. The vessel, however, has not yet been brought closer to the coast due to safety concerns and is still located in international waters.
Cooling operations have been stepped up, especially near high-risk zones such as the No. 4 hold, which lies close to the vessel’s fuel tanks. These tanks are reported to contain around 2,000 tonnes of heavy oil and 300 tonnes of diesel. The inability to lower temperatures in this section has raised alarms, as reignition could lead to a severe environmental disaster.
Efforts to apply fire-suppressant chemicals directly to the origin of the fire have encountered obstacles. The intense heat had deformed and displaced several containers, making it difficult for the response teams to access certain areas. Tugs like Advantis Virgo, SCI Panna, and Water Lily are continuing their efforts in the salvage operation, along with the salvage company currently managing the vessel.
At present, the vessel remains unstable. Though there are no visible flames, intermittent smoke indicates that pockets of heat persist below deck. The engine room, which had taken in a considerable volume of water during firefighting efforts, is still being pumped out.
Plans to shift the vessel to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port remain uncertain. Authorities are also reportedly considering alternate ports in Africa or the Middle East. But with no destination finalised, the vessel continues to drift slowly in the Arabian Sea, under monitoring and partial tow.
Adding to the complexity, the vessel was carrying 143 containers declared as “dangerous goods,” including flammable and toxic substances. This has prompted Indian authorities to register a case against the vessel’s owner, captain, and crew, alleging negligence and improper handling of hazardous cargo. The charges include violations of maritime safety and environmental protection laws.
The incident has drawn comparisons to past maritime disasters involving chemical cargo and fire, including major ship fires near South Asian coasts. Officials have expressed concern over potential long-term environmental consequences if the vessel is not secured and towed to safety soon.
For now, the priority remains extinguishing all hotspots, preventing further fire outbreaks, and stabilising the ship. Meanwhile, the damage report is awaited as a crucial step toward understanding the full extent of the economic and environmental fallout of the Wan Hai 503 disaster.