Wan-Hai-503

The 'Wan Hai 503' was still undergoing cargo discharge operations under the close supervision of professional teams as of Nov 22. Multiple hatch covers and containers were deformed or melted due to intense burning. Cutting and clearing were required before lifting operations can commence, which increases both handling time and complexity. Discharge of the Firefighting water (FiFi water) from the cargo holds was ongoing with a total of approximately 7,603 tonnes discharged so far. Pumping of FiFi water was becoming challenging due to the amount of cargo residue, which is blocking the pump, pipe or hold openings, requiring additional time to resolve. In the light of the condition of the containers remaining onboard it was becoming increasingly difficult to identify individual containers as they are discharged. identify individual containers as they are discharged. The below figures are therefore estimates. • Containers successfully discharged：1246 • Containers remaining onboard：476 The WAN HAI Lines, together with onsite experts, continued to overcome onsite challenges and were actively working to accelerate the unloading process, without impacting safety standards.

Discharge of the 'Wan Hai 503’ was continued. Several cargo holds still contained residual fire fighting water, mixed with post-fire debris and contaminants, making the cleanup complex. Deformed hatch covers remained over large sections of container debris, which has to be cut up with heavy machinery. The fragile structural condition needs to monitor every movement of the hydraulic grabs and the heavy lifting equipment, which is used to separate and lift each damaged container. As of Nov 9, 987 containers have been discharged, with about 735 still left.

More than a month after the 'Wan Hai 503' was granted permission for entry into its port of refuge Jebel Ali on Sep 11, the owners, theer was slow progress in the operation. The owner Wan Hai reported that as of Oct 18, a total of 356 containers have been unloaded in the ongoing operation. A further 1,366 remained aboard the vessel. The containers forward of the deckhouse were exposed to the fire, with the area around Hold 4 heavily damaged. A smaller number of containers on the stern appeared to have been shielded by the deckhouse from the fire. The salvage teams found that the steel plates and securing structures for the containers in the main fire area had severely melted. Hatch covers had deformed due to the extreme heat. They were having to use specialized cutting techniques to open these sections of the ship. Each container had to be individually secured with slings to be lifted ashore. Many of the containers had deformed or collapsed. In addition the teams were having to deal with burnt debris and scrap materials. This required heavy machinery for collection and transfer using flatbed trucks. The operation was being carefully supervised by salvage professionals to ensure the safety and efficiency. Report with photos: https://maritime-executive.com/article/salvage-of-fire-damaged-wan-hai-503-faces-operational-challenges

The 'Wan Hai 503' arrived at the anchorage off the Jebel Ali port on Sep 11. The vessel has been granted approval by DP World and the Dubai Ports Authority to berth as a port of refuge, ending a long effort to find a port to accept the heavily fire-damaged hulk. A salvage team boarded the vessel when it reached the Gulf of Oman after a nearly 1,800 nautical mile tow from the position off India and Sri Lanka, where the vessel was held offshore after the fire started on June 9. The inspection team took measurements of the cargo holds and compartments, and the monitoring showed no signs of smoke or further container displacement. The assessments indicated that the vessel’s stability and structural integrity were secure, with no immediate risks identified. The wreck was expected to undergo further inspections and complete the requirements of the authorities so that it can be berthed. The container inspection and unloading operations were expected to begin in October.

DP World and the Dubai Port Authority have granted approval for the 'Wan Hai 503' to berth at a port of refuge in Jebel Ali and it was expected to arrive in port under tow on Sep 11. Preliminary assessments indicated that the vessel’s stability and structural integrity were secure, with no immediate risks identified. Upon arrival, all inspections and procedures were to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authorities. On Sep 10, as the vessel approached the UAE through the Strait of Hormuz, salvors boarded the 'Wan Hai 503' and said there no signs of smoke. Container inspection and offloading was expected to start in October. Containers and cargo in the forward part of the vessel have suffered extensive damage in the fire. Boxes located at the stern to the rear of the accommodation block have suffered relatively little damage.

The 'Wan Hai 503' was being towed to Jebel Ali with an ETA as of Sep 10, weather permitting. Discussions between local authorities and vessel owners on berthing approval were ongoing. The stability and safety requirements were met, and the tow was being closely monitored for a secure arrival. As of Sep 5, the vessel was located 177 nautical miles off Colombo, close to the Indian EEZ boundary. There were no visible flames, but minor smouldering was still observed.

The 'Wan Hai 503' is going to be towed to the Middle East as the shipping company continued to search for a port of refuge. The vessel has been at sea for 78 days since the fire began on June 9. The move toward the Middle East came after Sri Lanka rejected an application for the vessel to be berthed, while India had, shortly after the fire began, ordered its ports not to accept the vessel. At present, the vessel’s stability, structural integrity, and draft, together with the route assessed using weather-routing software, met the requirements for safe towing. The shipping company Wan Hai. said the process will be closely monitored to ensure a safe and smooth arrival at the designated port of refuge. Last week, Hapag-Lloyd, which had cargo aboard the ship, gave an update putting its position approximately 177 nautical miles from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and close to the Indian EEZ boundary.. For the past few weeks, the salvage reports have indicated that there were no visible flames or signs of fire, although one hold continued to show minor signs of smoldering. Temperatures have also been lowered aboard the ship. Salvors were able to board the ship and undertook the efforts to dewater the holds and engine room. The ship is going to be towed approximately 1,800 nautical miles crossing the Arabian Sea. The UAE has large, deep-water ports that can serve as a refuge. It also has the container handling capabilities to clear the debris from the vessel. After the fire was extinguished, nearly everything on the forward two-thirds of the ship in front of the deck house and bridge had been damaged. A few containers on the stern appeared to have been blocked from the fire by the deckhouse.

The 'Wan Hai 503' remained stable and under close monitoring. The vessel was still being towed by the salvage team and is located in waters near the India-Sri Lanka maritime boundary as of Aug 15. The salvage team was in the process of liaising with potential ports of refuge. Decisions on the final port of refuge will take into account the overall suitability for the vessel as well as the handling of fire-damaged cargo. the The ship was 130 nautical miles from the Indian coast off Cape Comorin. The plan was to move it further out to sea, while discussions continued on a port of refuge. This has continued, although the area is subjected to monsoons at this time of year. There was no clear determination for the direction of the ship and a potential resolution. It has been suggested it might be towed to the Middle East. Hapag-Lloyd, which shared cargo aboard the ship, confirmed on Aug13, that the request for a port of refuge in Sri Lanka has been declined by the authorities.

After two months, the fire aboard the 'Wan Hai 503' has been finally extinguished as of Aug 6. This came after several weeks, when the fire - according to the shipping company - has been under control, but where there have still been flames and smoke from the ship. The current status was that the firefighting authorities were monitoring the temperature on board to ensure that the fire did not flare up again. In addition, there was still some firefighting water on board that will be handled so that the ship does not risk capsizing. The shipping company has not yet announced the cause of the fire.The four missing crew members have not been found. The Wai Hai Lines had contracted the salvage company T&T Salvage to coordinate the efforts to extinguish the fire on board.

The Wai Hai Lines, the owners of the 'Wan Hai 503', have failed in a bid to secure port of refuge in Hambantota in Sri Lanka. While the China Merchant’s run port had agreed to take the 'Wan Hai 503', sources indicated that agreement with government authorities over conditions to bring the vessel into the country’s waters for salvage operations could not be reached. The Sri Lankan authorities did not outright reject the application for the 'Wan Hai 503', however, asked for a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) on the salvage operation to the value of $3.25 billion, a figure which massively exceeded normal limits of liability. As a result, the application for port of refuge has not proceeded. With the failure to agree port of refuge in Hambantota it leaves the 'Wan Hai 503' with the salvors onboard offshore India and Sri Lanka and adrift on the high seas. Other potential options for a port of refuge in Southeast Asia and the Middle East continued to be explored, with Penang ibeing the most promising at present. With Hambantota in Sri Lanka the port operator in Penang has agreed to take the vessel, but again approval from government authorities will be required. There are concerns over the safety of the damaged vessel in a lengthy towage operation across the Indian Ocean that would coincide with the monsoon season.

The 'Wn Hai 503' has been towed to the Laccadive Sea, approximately 150 nautical miles southwest of the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. Five tugs remained on-site to support operations. Meanwhile, a formal request to define a port of refuge, including a comprehensive project plan, has been submitted to Sri Lankan authorities, although the use of other terminals for the vessel's shelter was still under consideration.

On July 24, the 'Wan Hai 503' remained under tow of the 'Offshore Warrior' outside the Indian EEZ and was located approximately 90 nautical miles from the Indian EEZ boundary, as preparations were made for further movement under a forward towing connection. Onboard fire conditions have stabilized considerably. Light smoke continued to emanate from Bay 29 to Bay 35, but there was no evidence of flame or heat escalation. Temperature measurements across affected cargo holds remained stable and in control, averaging around 40–41°C. A complement of approximately 20 salvage personnel, including the Salvage Master, is currently present onboard.. Dewatering efforts were ongoing and yielding consistent results. Cargo Hold Nos. 5 and 6 were being pumped continuously to maintain manageable water levels. The engine room level was also stable and was being monitored around-the-clock. This level of dewatering was critical not only for operational access but also for any required inspection or shifting of equipment. Support vessel operations were being coordinated in tandem with ongoing salvage tasks. The 'Water Lily' continued to support personnel and material transfer between support tugs and the casualty. The 'Virgo', which had temporarily docked at Galle Harbour for maintenance, was scheduled to rejoin operations by the morning of July 25. to execute the forward towing line connection, a critical requirement for entry into a Port of Refuge. Other deployed vessels, including the 'Saksham' and 'Nand Saarthi', remained on standby to support equipment and crew transfers as needed. The 'Advantis Libra' has also been confirmed to join operations by July 29, further reinforcing support capability. The vessel was sent to replace the 'Virgo' after the forward towing line has been connected. Currently, the primary coordination responsibility for managing the incident is being handed over to the Flag State, Singapore, and the salvors. The Directorate General of Shipping (India) has confirmed that India's operational coordination responsibilities will conclude once the vessel re-enters international waters beyond its EEZ, barring any renewed emergency and expected the MPA Singapore to coordinate with the owners as well as the salvers for all further actions. India will, however, continue to provide logistical assistance if requested, and has made arrangements to stand by in the event of any renewed crisis, especially in light of ongoing Southwest Monsoon conditions. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has clearly communicated that entry to a port will not be permitted until this forward tow connection is in place. To this end, the salvors have planned to complete the forward towing arrangement by July 27–28 July, using the 'Virgo'. The MPA has also requested detailed photographic and structural reports, particularly of the port side’s damaged sections, to evaluate the vessel’s seaworthiness for coastal entry. Once the forward towing connection has been confirmed, the salvors will submit updated documentation to the MPA for final review and port clearance. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (India) reiterated its position that any entry into an Indian Port of Refuge remains off the table until all bunkers have been removed and the monsoon conditions prevailed. The DGS also emphasized that if the Port of Refuge clearance is delayed further, the vessel should continue to be held outside all EEZs, including in proximity to the India-Sri Lanka-Maldives tri-junction, if safety allows. In conclusion, while the situation remained weather-sensitive, significant progress has been made in stabilizing the vessel. With towage secure, fire risk reduced, and personnel safely onboard, operations were now entering a decisive phase focused on relocation, compliance, and final port entry clearance.

As of July 21, the 'Wan Hai 503' remained in a stable condition. Grey smoke was last observed in the vicinity of cargo holds no. 3 and 4 on the afternoon of July 2ß, consistent with previously reported patterns of residual combustion due to unextinguished smouldering cargo. The vessel continued to weather rough conditions with gusting winds over 30 knots and swells. The ship was currently located approximately 238 nautical miles southeast of the Indian EEZ boundary and has been drifting along with prevailing ocean currents in the absence of active tow. The connection with the 'Offshore Warrior' was scheduled to be re-established upon its return from Cochin, where it had proceeded for replenishment of bunkers, stores, and freshwater. Salvage operations continued on board with a 16-member team having boarded the casualty. The salvage team now intended to remain on board continuously to maintain operation tempo and stability. Essential amenities such as cooling appliances and food supplies have already been provided to support extended stays. Dewatering of the engine room, cargo holds, and duct keel continued, with improved control achieved in most spaces. Notably, cargo holds no. 2 and 3 appeaedr dry, while the engine room water level was being maintained at approximately 50 cm. Pumping in hold no. 6 was ongoing. The 'Offshore Warrior wass expected to arrive back on July 22. Once reconnected, it was to re-establish tow and return the vessel toward the Indian EEZ as previously committed to Sri Lankan authorities. The salvage team has also mobilized an additional tug, the 'Advantage Libra', which departed from Khor Fakkan on July 20 with an ETA as of July 27 to augment the operational fleet and provide greater redundancy for towage and salvage work, particularly in the light of an upcoming potential port entry. The 'Advantis Virgo', having suffered propeller issues during prior maneuvers, was planned to return to Colombo for underwater inspections and repair after the 'Offshore Warrior' took over towing duties. Until then, it remainned on standby. Meanwhile, the 'Saksham' was actively engaged in fire watch and boundary cooling as required. The 'Water Lily' continued to serve as the primary platform for safe personnel transfer to and from the casualty. The overall salvage and stabilization picture was cautiously optimistic. The 'Wan Hai 503' has shown structural resilience. The recurrence of grey smoke emissions was anticipated and attributed to residual combustion within affected cargo holds. Given the limitations of safe access to these areas, boundary cooling remained the feasible mitigation approach at present. The emergency towline that parted earlier was recovered and stored aboard the vessel as a precaution. A backup towline was also being prepared. The salvage team’s ability to remain on board continuously marked a positive shift in operations, reducing reliance on the single transfer ship 'Water Lily', and allowing uninterrupted oversight. Planning was also progressing for final stages of casualty removal. The Wan Hai Lines has communicated its decision, based on inputs from ITOPF and shoreline drift modelling, to discontinue contractual ties with SpillTech and MERC for shoreline clean-up, citing minimal ongoing risk. However, MERC remains on standby should future response be necessary. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has taken note and will revert formally upon review.

As of July 18, the 'Wan Hai 503' continued to remain under tow and under close operational surveillance. The vessel was drifting slowly in a southeasterly direction, amid persistent rough sea conditions with wind gusts reaching up to 40 knots. There were no visible naked flames aboard, and the fire appearedto be under control, however, residual heat remained in Bay Nos. 33 to 37 of Cargo Hold No. 4. The temperature monitoring had to be temporarily deprioritized due to relocation of resources to dewatering operations, which continued to be a major focus. Dewatering was actively ongoing in Cargo Hold No. 6 and the engine room. These efforts have shown gradual and steady progress despite weather-related limitations. Gas conditions within the cargo holds continued to be hazardous, restricting entry and preventing detailed inspections or further cargo assessments at this stage. The ship’s stability remained under control, and residual smoke from the forward holds has reduced significantly. During the towline transfer on July 15 from the 'Offshore Warrior' to the 'Atlantis Virgo', the main towline parted. An emergency tow connection was immediately established. By July,17, a permanent towing arrangement was reconnected, however, the 'Advantis Virgo' had got its its starboard propeller fouled from the entanglement of the towing wire, rendering it operable only on one engine. The overall condition of the vessel has improved steadily over the past week, particularly in terms of onboard flooding and fire control. With the engine room water level under control and the pumping operation in Cargo Hold No. 6 continuing, salvors now reported a more stable internal condition. No. 2 and 3 holds appeared to be dry, and the engine room was being maintained at a depth of approximately 50 centimetres. Approximately 2300 tons of bunker fuel were still on-board. The salvage team will continue to monitor hull temperature, structural safety, and gas conditions inside the cargo holds.

As of July 14, the 'Wan Hai 503' remained under tow of the 'Offshore Warrior', maintaining a position outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at 07°39.84' N, 074°50.57' E, heading 290° at a speed of 1.4 knots, 140 nautical miles from the Kerala coast Weather conditions remained challenging, with wind gusts recorded up to 62 knots and swell heights between 2.0 to 2.5 meters, leading to rough sea conditions. Light grey smoke continued to be observed from cargo bay numbers 33 to 37. The condition was reported as stable, with no visible escalation. However, the onboard salvage team also reported a strong ammonia smell emanating from Hold No. 7, which may be attributed to rotting organic cargo. Preliminary indications suggestrf the possible presence of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), presenting hazardous enclosed space conditions. Formal chemical assessment and safe chemical neutralization procedures ertr being explored. As of 3 p.m., six salvors remained onboard the 'Wan Hai 503'. Adverse sea conditions prevented the full team from boarding. Multiple boarding attempts throughout the day had to be aborted, and two salvors sustained injuries during one of the attempts, highlighting the inherent risks of personnel transfer operations under current sea conditions. The 'Nand Saarthi' arrived on site at 12.35 a.m. to support salvage operations and commenced material transfer to the 'Offshore Warrior' and the 'Advantis Virgo'. While the tug was operational, the salvors have requested continued deployment of the 'Water Lily' to maintain reliable and safe personnel transfer capability, citing its proven role and experienced crew. The 'Water Lily' also completed a partial personnel transfer from the 'Offshore Warrior' to the 'Wan Hai 503', but could not complete the operation due to the deteriorating sea state. The 'Advantis Virgo' and the 'Saksham' remained on standby for firefighting and boundary cooling operations. However, given the rough sea conditions, active intervention has been limited to essential support. The 'SCI Panna' has been demobilized and will not be replaced at this stage, as the existing complement of support vessels was considered adequate by the salvors for the current phase of operations. The salvage team was currently exploring alternate means of supplying food and essential provisions to the onboard crew, given that evacuation is presently not possible due to weather and sea state. The condition onboard the 'Wan Hai 503' was stable, but continued to require sustained support. Hold No. 6 was reportedly being dewatered, and preparations were ongoing to control and monitor other affected holds. The ingress of water into the cargo holds was also a result of boundary cooling operations in deck hatch gaskets. Due to water in the engine room, dewatering had to be carried out with portable pumps on a hold-by-hold basis. Ffirefighting was currently limited to containment rather than full extinguishment, and complete suppression would likely require the vessel to be alongside in a Port of Refuge. A comprehensive Port of Refuge proposal has been compiled and was under review authorities. Phase II planning, including debunkering, hazardous cargo handling, and final fire suppression, may be initiated once approval is granted. DNV-ERS was coordinating stability and structural integrity verification, which are preconditions for approval. Given the prevailing monsoon conditions and rough seas, relocation of the vessel was not currently advised. However, a cautious shift 50 nauttical miles southward of the current position may be considered if conditions necessitate. The response has transitioned into a controlled salvage operation with careful risk mitigation. The safety of onboard personnel, environmental protection, and vessel stabilization remained top priorities. Active firefighting was is in place with the 'Virgo' and 'Saarthi', and the continued presence of the 'Water Lily 'has been requested to ensure safe personnel transfer capability until conditions improve. As of July 16, the situation has shown further stabilization. The 'Wan Hai 503' was being towed by the 'Advantis Virgo', following a successful handover from the 'Offshore Warrior', which is now en route to port for bunkers and resupply. Towing operations were being conducted in rough seas and heavy swell conditions. Displacement has reduced by approximately 9,000 tonnes due to extensive dewatering, leading to an increased freeboard and improved visibility of draft marks, including the transom stern, where the aft draft was estimated at 14.0 meters. The engine room was nearly dry, with water levels reduced to 70 centimetres through continuous pumping. The Cargo Holds No. 2 and No. 3 were reported to be significantly dewatered, while Hold No. 6 has seen a reduction in water level from 7.5 to 5 meters. Cargo Hold No. 7 remained dry but is emitting hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), indicating potential hazardous gas presence and the need for further ventilation and chemical treatment. Light grey smoke continued to emanate from Bays 33 to 37, but there were no visible flames. Hotspot temperatures remained steady, and no escalation has been observed. Cargo hold temperature readings, taken over the past week, confirmed a plateau in heat levels, suggesting the fire was under control. Structural monitoring was ongoing, with no immediate threats reported. The engine room was accessible, but poor weather and high freeboard have made boarding operations difficult. The 'Advantis Virgo' has assumed the primary towing role and was standing by with Pyrocool for localized application, while the 'Water Lily' continued to manage personnel and equipment transfers. The 'Saksham' has reutned to port for bunkering and collection of additional fire suppression supplies. Weather permitting, she will return with Pyrocool and critical equipment to enable final phase stabilization.The 'Nand Saarthi' remained onsite, assisting with logistics. The Port of Refuge coordination efforts were progressing. Phase 1 of the salvage plan, detailing safe towage to port, has already been submitted to the authorities, and Phase 2, concerning cargo discharge and disposal, is nearing completion. Constructive engagement has been undertaken with port authorities, and the MPA (Singapore) is also actively supporting discussions to facilitate safe access. Structural and stability assessments were underway with DNV ERS, which is receiving updated data on cargo hold and tank soundings, as well as draft readings. Due to the significant improvement in the vessel's condition, the salvage team was approaching completion of Phase 1 readiness, which would deem the vessel safe for entry into sheltered waters for final remediation and cargo operations. Despite rough weather, the vessel has not exhibited any signs of instability. Challenges remained in safely transferring personnel due to heightened freeboard and rough sea state. The presence of H₂S gas in Cargo Hold No. 7 presents a hazardous environment that must be ventilated before any entry. Additionally, concerns regarding potential water absorbed in cargo within containers persisted, possibly explaining discrepancies in displacement and draft calculations. Soundings of bunker tanks were incomplete, though preliminary estimates suggest edapproximately 2,400 tonnes of fuel remained onboard. No signs of oil leakage or migration into cargo spaces have been observed. Once the structural stability and draft criteria have been verified, either a green or amber signal for port entry will be pursued. The salvage team’s focus was now on completing tank soundings, verifying longitudinal strength, and finalizing preparations for the Port of Refuge entry. Report with photos: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/07/17/afkoelen-wan-hai-503-na-brand-verloopt-voorspoedig-machinekamer-grotendeels-leeggepompt/

Towing operations of the 'Wan Hai 503' were temporarily suspended after a fresh fire broke out on board. The blaze was detected again on July 4 , and as of July 5 morning, operations remained on hold. This has left the ship’s relocation to the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka uncertain until the fire is fully extinguished. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is now considering moving the ship to a port in an African country. With the help of the tug 'Advantis Virgo’, about 12,000 litres of a chemical mixture have already been used to douse the fire. Around 3,000 litres of the mixture remained. Authorities are trying to procure additional chemical supplies from Singapore, if necessary. The Directorate General of Shipping has identified undeclared goods in 243 containers and suspected this may be the reason for the recurring fires despite intensified rescue efforts The 'Wan Hai 503' was positioned 3.5 nautical miles south of the 200-nautical mile boundary.

Following a brief improvement in weather conditions on July 2, a 16-member salvage team successfully boarded the 'Wan Hai 503'. Their immediate priorities included conducting a thorough search for the missing crew member within accessible areas of the casualty. No signs of the missing person were discovered. The salvage team has activated five pumps onboard, dewatering both the engine room and the affected cargo holds. This has led to a significant reduction in engine room water levels, by approximately 3.5 metres, reducing the vessel's overall draft and providing a safer operational environment. The visible fire onboard has largely been contained, with only light smoke emanating forward of the accommodation block and from cargo hold no. 4. No active flames have been observed in the most recent operations. Continuous hull and hold temperature monitoring was being carried out using thermal imaging to assess structural heat stress and potential flare-ups. Additionally, the application of approximately 9000 litres of Pyrocool firefighting agent has been completed, effectively reducing hotspot temperatures, particularly in cargo hold no. 4, where maximum recorded temperatures have now fallen to 64°C on the port side and 68°C on the starboard side. The 'Offshore Warrior' remained the primary towing platform, maintaining the vessel’s position outside the EEZ. The 'Saroja Blessings', 'Saksham', 'Water Lily', 'SCI Panna', and the recently deployed tug 'Virgo' were engaged in critical support operations including boundary cooling, material transfer, thermal imaging, and personnel rotation. The firefighting team has shifted focus to localised boundary cooling operations using hatch-cover mounted arrangements to target specific heat-affected zones. Approximately 6000 litres of Pyrocool remained in reserve for any escalation, with an additional supply pre-positioned in Singapore for rapid deployment. CO₂ injection into cargo hold no. 5 has been initiated to suppress internal smouldering, with two further CO₂ discharges kept ready if required. In parallel, the salvage team has commenced ventilation of starboard side tunnels to reduce hazardous gas concentrations, allowing safer forward access and potential operations on the bow. Preparations were ongoing to rig a Dyneema towline on the bow as an alternative towing arrangement, providing flexibility should existing tow connections be compromised. Furthermore, replacing the current soft towlines with steel or Dyneema ropes remained a high priority, subject to operational windows and prevailing sea conditions. The 'SCI Panna' continued to provide coastal support within India’s jurisdictional limits. The cargo hold no. 4 continued to have elevated temperatures (approx. 64°C port side, 68°C starboard side) and ongoing smouldering of cargo, including plastic resin containers. Hold no. 5 starboard side showed localized high temperatures but remaineds contained following CO2 release. The engine room remained partially flooded, with water ingress suspected from cargo holds. Pumping efforts were steadily reducing water levels, and full dewatering was prioritised, weather permitting. The missing crew search remained ongoing in accessible areas. High winds and swells were intermittently limiting operations; however, salvage crews have maximized available weather windows for critical tasks. A detailed Port of Refuge proposal was under preparation for submission. Vessel stability assessments, bunker and ballast soundings, and ventilation of enclosed spaces continued in parallel to ensure readiness for further movement. The situation required continued focus on dewatering, fire containment and formalizing safe entry into a Port of Refuge. All government agencies, remained engaged in ensuring environmental protection, safety of life, and mitigation of escalation risks. Report with photo: https://www.worldcargonews.com/shipping-logistics/2025/07/wan-hai-503-fire-smouldering-engine-room-pumping-underway/

On June 30, the 'Wan Hai 503' was in pos. 07°52.60' N, 074°50.09' E, maintaining a steady course of 290° with a speed of 0.8 knots, approximately 130 nautical miles off the Indian coastline, outside the EEZ boundary. The vessel's drift remained controlled through coordinated towing operations. Light smoke continued to emanate from the area forward of the accommodation block, indicating residual smouldering within cargo hold no. 4, though no visible flames have been reported. Structural evaluations indicate localized heat-induced buckling between Frames 103–113; however, independent assessments by T&T Salvage, DNV, and naval architects confirmed that the vessel retains structural strength and remained stable. Dewatering operations commenced at 0730 a.m. with four pumps (150–250 m³/hour each) deployed to remove water from the flooded engine room. Dewatering operations were ongoing with five pumps actively discharging water from the flooded engine room and interconnected compartments. The source of water ingress was suspected to be linked to interconnected compartments between the engine room and cargo hold no. 3. The water quality remains relatively stable, with minimal oil traces, suggesting no significant new ingress. The multi-agency response continues with effective resource deployment on-site. The 'Water Lily' has been engaged in personnel and material transfers, successfully receiving salvage equipment from ‘the 'Saroja Blessing' earlier the day. The '‘Saksham'’ remained prepared for further support, and ‘the 'Saroja Blessing was on standby for firefighting and material supply operations. Salvage teams on board the vessel has resumed equipment installation and pump operation, with five pumps now functioning continuously to extract water. ‘The 'Offshore Warrior' wais maintaining towage operations, keeping the vessel clear of the Indian EEZ, with current power utilisation at 75%. Preparations were in place to maintain uninterrupted dewatering overnight. The salvors aimed to stabilise internal flooding to facilitate safe boarding and enable further fire suppression measures, including enhanced boundary cooling and application of additional firefighting agents as weather permits. Additional assets, including ‘the 'Atlantis Virgo' and ‘SCI Panna’, were en route to the site with firefighting equipment and Pyrocool (7000 litres), expected to enhance fire suppression efforts within the next 24 hours. Preparations for continuous overnight pumping operations are were , with emergency evacuation plans in place to ensure personnel safety during night-time activities. The intention is to sustain 24/7 dewatering using both hydraulic and submersible pumps, supplemented by emergency power from the vessel's own systems and portable generators. The sustained operation of five pumps has shown positive results in managing engine room flooding, but full dewatering remains essential to assess damage to machinery spaces and restore emergency power systems. Over 5,000 cubic meters of water were successfully pumped out from the flooded engine room, reducing water levels by approximately 1.75 meters. Further attempts to access the forward sections of the vessel for additional firefighting and structural assessment will be undertaken once dewatering sufficiently reduces on board risks. The Port of Refuge discussions remained focused, where positive initial engagements have occurred. Formal submission of the required document package to authorities is in progress, though final approvals were contingent upon demonstrating thevessel'sstability, extinguishment of smouldering, and safe dewatering. Alternative ports options remained under evaluation. The vessel remained in a high-density shipping corridor, necessitating continuous traffic warnings to passing vessels. The Directorate has directed enhanced navigational warnings to prevent incidents in this critical route between Sri Lanka and the Gulf of Aden. Indian Coast Guard assets continued to provide aerial surveillance and maritime monitoring, with readiness to intervene if necessary. Continuous inter-agency coordination, including with MPA Singapore, ITOPF, and Indian authorities, is ongoing to manage the situation effectively and prevent environmental or navigational hazards. Offshore oil removal remains unsafe under current conditions, with preferred options being defueling alongside a wharf at a Port of Refuge. The salvage team continued the preparations to transition from soft to wire towlines, advance dewatering, and monitor the vessel's integrity.