More than a month after an explosion and fire tore through the containership Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala on 9 June, the vessel remains in limbo.
As reported, the containership is currently under tow outside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), after Indian authorities refused to grant it port of refuge. Despite firefighting operations still being underway at the time, the Indian Directorate of Shipping ordered the vessel to be towed away from the coast and beyond the EEZ.
Sri Lanka remains the preferred port of refuge for the Wan Hai 503, but securing approvals has proven difficult. While the China Merchants-run port of Hambantota has agreed to allow berthing, Sri Lankan authorities are concerned the vessel could sink.
Discussions are ongoing, but if Sri Lanka denies access, alternative options in the region are limited. A 11 July update from India’s Directorate of Shipping emphasized the need for a definitive solution, either approved port entry or relocation to a more secure zone beyond the EEZ.
Reportedly, T&T Salvage continues efforts to stabilise the ship amid difficult conditions. Furthermore, the fire has never been fully extinguished and smouldering persists in some of the cargo holds. De-watering of the vessel’s hull is also ongoing.
To remind, the fire broke out on 9 June aboard the MV Wan Hai 503, approximately 130 nautical miles northwest of Kochi, India. The incident sparked environmental concerns due to the fuel and hazardous cargo.
