Indian Navy Executes Daring Mid-Sea Salvage Operation on Burning MV Wan Hai 503

In a bold and high-risk mid-sea operation, the Indian Navy successfully conducted an aerial insertion and extraction of a salvage team aboard the fire-engulfed merchant vessel MV Wan Hai 503 on June 13, 2025. The operation, executed under challenging weather and fire conditions, marked a significant milestone in maritime rescue coordination, showcasing India’s naval readiness and expertise in handling emergency salvage operations.

Why in News?

The MV Wan Hai 503, a cargo vessel caught in a massive fire, required immediate intervention off the Kochi coast. On June 13, 2025, the Indian Navy responded swiftly by deploying a Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda to insert a salvage team onboard the burning ship—despite harsh sea conditions. This operation underscores the Navy’s critical role in maritime safety and emergency response.

Incident Summary

• Vessel Name: MV Wan Hai 503
• Issue: Massive fire onboard the merchant vessel
• Location: Off the Kochi coast
• Date of Aerial Insertion: 13 June 2025

Aerial Insertion Details

• Aircraft Used: Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda, Kochi
• Method: Winching of salvage team onto the burning vessel

Objective

• Connect salvage tug Offshore Warrior with MV Wan Hai 503
• Stabilize and prepare vessel for towing
• Extract team safely after mission

Key Units Involved

Indian Navy Units

• INS Sharda
• Helicopter team from INS Garuda

Support Vessels

• Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) MV Triton Liberty
• Salvage tug Offshore Warrior
• Coordination: With Indian Coast Guard and maritime agencies

Objective and Outcome

• Safely connect towing equipment
• Initiate towing operations of the fire-hit vessel
• Extract the team safely post-mission via helicopter
• Ensure no further threat to maritime traffic