New Delhi/Beijing, June 11, 2025 – China has publicly thanked India for its swift and professional rescue of crew members from the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire following an explosion off the Kerala coast on June 9. The incident, which took place 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, prompted immediate rescue operations by the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard.
In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, expressed appreciation to Indian authorities, stating:
“On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue.”
Casualties and Rescue Operations
The fire, which originated from an explosion in one of the ship’s containers, occurred while the vessel was en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva port near Mumbai. At the time of the incident, 22 crew members were onboard.
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✅ 18 crew members have been rescued
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❌ 4 crew members are missing
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⚠️ 5 crew members sustained injuries
China conveyed hope for the successful recovery of the missing crew and a speedy recovery for the injured.
Environmental Concerns: Possible Oil Spill Warning
As the MV Wan Hai 503 remains adrift roughly 70 nautical miles off Kozhikode, environmental concerns have mounted. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has activated its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to assist in tracking:
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Floating debris
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Possible oil spill dispersion
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Drift paths of any missing persons
While the extent of any oil spill remains unconfirmed, forecast models suggest oil slicks may move parallel to the coastline from June 10 to June 13. Authorities have issued advisories for enhanced coastal surveillance, and communities along the Kerala coastline are being alerted to prepare for potential navigation or environmental hazards.
India’s Role Praised for Maritime Humanitarian Response
This operation has drawn international praise, particularly from China, due to the involvement of 14 Chinese nationals — including 6 from Taiwan — among the rescued. The incident also showcases the Indian Navy’s rapid response capability and the coordinated efforts of the Mumbai Coast Guard in executing emergency marine rescues under high-risk conditions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Search Efforts
Search and rescue missions are still underway to locate the four missing crew members, with aerial surveillance and SAR ships deployed in the region. Indian authorities have confirmed that continuous environmental monitoring will be maintained, especially if oil leakage from the vessel poses a risk to marine biodiversity or local fisheries.
Conclusion
The incident underscores both the dangers of maritime logistics and the critical role of regional cooperation in emergency responses. As India continues its rescue and environmental containment operations, global attention remains focused on the success of search efforts and prevention of ecological damage in the Indian Ocean.
