China Thanked India for Swift Rescue of Chinese Crew from Burning Ship MV Wan Hai 503, off Kerala Coast
China Thanked India for Swift Rescue of Chinese Crew from Burning Ship MV Wan Hai 503, off Kerala Coast
China has extended heartfelt thanks to the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard for their swift and professional response in rescuing eight Chinese nationals from a fire-stricken cargo vessel off Kerala's coast. The incident involved MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged container ship, which caught fire following multiple explosions in the Arabian Sea.
The vessel, en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, encountered the emergency on June 9, roughly 78 nautical miles off Beypore, Kerala. The fire broke out beneath the deck, resulting in a large-scale emergency. Of the 22 crew members on board, 14 were Chinese nationals, including six from Taiwan.
Sharing the update on social media platform X, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Yu Jing confirmed that an onboard explosion and subsequent fire occurred approximately 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal. "We express sincere gratitude to the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We hope for the success of ongoing search operations and a speedy recovery for the injured," Yu wrote.
When the fire broke out, 18 crew members jumped into the sea and were safely rescued by the Indian Navy. However, four individuals who initially attempted to control the blaze are still missing. Five crew members sustained injuries, with two suffering severe burns.
Currently, the MV Wan Hai 503 remains adrift in the Arabian Sea. Firefighting operations led by the Indian Coast Guard are ongoing as flames and explosions continue to threaten the vessel, particularly in the area between the midship and the accommodation block.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard reported partial success in containing the forward-bay fire, though thick smoke continues to pose challenges. The ship is reportedly listing about 10–15 degrees to the port side, and several containers have fallen overboard.
The Coast Guard confirmed that vessels ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Sachet are conducting boundary cooling and firefighting operations. Additional support, including ICGS Samarth and salvors from Kochi, has also been deployed to manage the emergency.
The incident underscores India’s regional maritime readiness and cooperative spirit, with the international community — including China — recognizing the professionalism of Indian maritime agencies in crisis situations.
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