In a vital breakthrough within the firefighting and salvage mission of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, Indian maritime forces efficiently transferred tow management of the distressed container vessel to an ocean-going tug, Offshore Warrior, on 13 June. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which had been holding the vessel off the Kerala coast for a number of days, confronted a recent problem as worsening climate and highly effective westerly winds brought about the vessel to float dangerously in the direction of the shoreline. Regardless of antagonistic circumstances that grounded aerial operations and delayed the salvage group’s boarding, a Navy Sea King helicopter from Kochi managed to winch group members onto the vessel below extraordinarily difficult circumstances. The group then related a 600-metre tow line to the Offshore Warrior round 20 nautical miles off Kochi’s coast. As per the official assertion, the ship is now being towed westwards at a velocity of 1.8 knots and is at present 35 nautical miles offshore. Three ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels proceed to escort the ship and perform firefighting efforts. Whereas thick smoke and some hotspots stay onboard, authorities mentioned a significant environmental disaster has doubtless been averted, crediting the ICG’s swift and sustained response. The ICG is now working carefully with the directorate common of transport to make sure the vessel stays at the least 50 nautical miles from Indian shores, till its subsequent plan of action is determined by the house owners in keeping with worldwide protocols.
