In a remarkable mid-sea operation, the Indian Navy displayed exceptional skill and precision while conducting a high-risk salvage mission onboard the fire-struck cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503. The operation, carried out on June 13, 2025, involved airlifting a salvage team onto the burning ship under extremely challenging weather and sea conditions. This mission highlighted the Navy’s capability and preparedness in handling complex maritime emergencies.

Why is this in the news?

The cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503 was engulfed in flames off the coast of Kochi, demanding immediate and expert intervention. Responding promptly, the Indian Navy deployed its Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda, Kochi, to winch a salvage crew onto the vessel amidst rough seas, ensuring quick containment and stabilization efforts.

Incident Snapshot

Vessel Name: MV Wan Hai 503

Incident Type: Massive fire onboard merchant vessel

Location: Arabian Sea, off Kochi coast

Date of Operation: June 13, 2025

Aerial Insertion Highlights

Aircraft Deployed: Seaking Helicopter from INS Garuda

Insertion Technique: Salvage team winched directly onto the burning ship

Mission Objectives

• Secure towing arrangements with salvage tug Offshore Warrior

• Stabilize the vessel to prevent further damage

• Safely extract the team after mission completion

Key Participants

Indian Navy Assets:

• INS Sharda
• Helicopter crew from INS Garuda

Support Vessels:

• Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) MV Triton Liberty
• Salvage Tug Offshore Warrior

Other Agencies: Coordination with Indian Coast Guard and other maritime authorities

Mission Outcome

• Successful towing preparations completed
• Salvage team safely retrieved post-operation
• Vessel secured, avoiding risks to passing maritime traffic

Summary Table

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Indian Navy Carries Out Daring Rescue on MV Wan Hai 503
Incident	Fire onboard MV Wan Hai 503
Location	Off Kochi coast, Arabian Sea
Lead Agency	Indian Navy
Operation	Aerial insertion and extraction of salvage team