Reviews & Ratings for the Wan-Hai-503

As of November 22, the Wan Hai 503 remains in the midst of cargo discharge activities, overseen by specialized teams dedicated to ensuring safety and efficiency. The vessel's cargo has faced significant damage, with numerous hatch covers and containers showing signs of deformation and melting due to intense fire exposure. To facilitate the lifting of remaining cargo, cutting and clearing operations are necessary, which complicates and prolongs the discharge process. The vessel has successfully discharged approximately 7,603 tonnes of firefighting water, yet challenges persist as the residual cargo obstructs the pumping operations. The accumulated debris is impeding the pumps, pipes, and hold openings, complicating the discharge of FiFi water and necessitating additional time for resolution. With the condition of the containers onboard deteriorating, identifying and tracking individual containers has become increasingly difficult during the discharge process. Consequently, the current figures are approximate. To date, the vessel has discharged 1,246 containers, while roughly 476 containers remain onboard. WAN HAI Lines, in collaboration with on-site experts, is diligently addressing the ongoing challenges to expedite the unloading process, all while maintaining stringent safety protocols.

The task of discharging containers from the 'Wan Hai 503' presses on, revealing a host of challenges. Cleanup efforts are complicated due to the presence of residual fire-fighting water, which is mixed with debris and other contaminants. The state of the cargo holds is far from ideal, with deformed hatch covers obstructing large areas filled with twisted container remnants. Heavy machinery is required to meticulously cut up this debris for safe removal. Given the precarious structural integrity of the containers and surrounding areas, each movement of hydraulic grabs and heavy lifting equipment necessitates careful monitoring to ensure safety while extracting and lifting the damaged containers. As of November 9, a total of 987 containers have been successfully discharged, leaving approximately 735 containers still to be processed.

Over a month after the Wan Hai 503 was granted entry to the port of refuge at Jebel Ali on September 11, 2023, the recovery operation has encountered significant delays. As of October 18, the vessel's owner, Wan Hai Lines, reported that only 356 of the total containers had been successfully unloaded, leaving 1,366 containers still aboard. The situation is particularly dire for those containers located forward of the deckhouse, which were severely impacted by a fire that caused extensive damage around Hold 4. Meanwhile, containers situated at the stern appeared to have benefited from protection offered by the deckhouse, sustaining less fire damage. The ongoing salvage operation is proving to be complex due to the intense heat that deformed hatch covers and severely melted the steel plates and securing structures responsible for holding the containers in place in the area affected by the fire. Salvage teams are utilizing specialized cutting techniques to access damaged sections of the vessel, and each container is being meticulously secured with slings before being lifted off the ship. Many containers have suffered deformation or collapse, complicating the recovery effort even further. Additionally, managing burnt debris and scrap materials has added another layer of difficulty to the operation. Heavy machinery is being deployed to facilitate the collection and transport of these materials using flatbed trucks. Throughout this challenging process, salvage professionals are providing oversight to ensure that safety remains paramount while striving for operational efficiency. For further details, including images of the challenging conditions aboard Wan Hai 503, visit the report here: https://maritime-executive.com/article/salvage-of-fire-damaged-wan-hai-503-faces-operational-challenges.

On September 11, the Wan Hai 503 made its way to the anchorage near Jebel Ali port, marking a significant milestone in its recovery journey. Following extensive efforts, the heavily fire-damaged vessel has received the go-ahead from DP World and the Dubai Ports Authority to dock as a safe port of refuge. The ship, which had been stranded after a fire incident on June 9, was towed nearly 1,800 nautical miles from its position off the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in the Gulf of Oman, a salvage team promptly boarded the vessel. They conducted thorough inspections, measuring cargo holds and compartments, and confirmed that there were no signs of smoke or further shifting of containers. The inspection revealed that the stability and structural integrity of the Wan Hai 503 remain intact, posing no immediate risks. Further evaluations are anticipated as the wreck prepares to complete the necessary requirements from local authorities before it can officially dock. Operations for container inspection and unloading are expected to commence in October.

In a crucial development, DP World along with the Dubai Port Authority has authorized the entry of the 'Wan Hai 503' container ship to Jebel Ali. The vessel, which was towed toward the port, was anticipated to arrive on September 11. Initial evaluations have confirmed that the ship’s stability and structural integrity are intact, posing no immediate threats to safety. Following its arrival, thorough inspections and mandatory procedures will be executed as per the guidelines set by the concerned authorities. On September 10, prior to entering UAE waters through the Strait of Hormuz, salvage specialists boarded the 'Wan Hai 503' and reported no visible signs of smoke emanating from the ship. The offloading of containers is slated to commence in October. While the forward section of the ship has sustained considerable fire damage, the containers located at the stern, near the accommodation block, remain relatively unscathed.

The 'Wan Hai 503' is currently being towed towards Jebel Ali, with an estimated time of arrival set for September 10, contingent on weather conditions. Ongoing discussions are taking place between the local authorities and the vessel's owners regarding the necessary berthing approval. Both safety and stability measures have been duly satisfied, with the towing operation being closely monitored to ensure a safe voyage. As of September 5, the vessel was positioned approximately 177 nautical miles off the coast of Colombo, near the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. While no visible flames were detected, some minor smoldering was still present.

The Wan Hai 503 is on course to be towed to the Middle East as its operators persist in their quest for a reliable port of refuge. The vessel has endured a substantial 78-day ordeal since a fire erupted on June 9. The decision to redirect the ship to the Middle East follows Sri Lanka’s denial of a berthing application and India’s directive to its ports to refuse the vessel shortly after the incident. Currently, assessments of the Wan Hai 503's stability, structural integrity, and draft, combined with data from weather-routing software, indicate it meets safety requirements for towing. Wan Hai, the shipping company managing the vessel, has promised close supervision of the towing process to ensure a secure arrival at the selected port. Last week, Hapag-Lloyd provided an update regarding its cargo on board, noting the vessel’s position is roughly 177 nautical miles from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and near the boundary of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Salvage reports over the past weeks have confirmed no visible flames or active fire, although one hold still exhibits minor smoldering signs. Temperatures aboard the ship have also been actively reduced. Additionally, salvage teams have managed to safely board the Wan Hai 503 and have initiated dewatering procedures in the holds and engine room. The tow will cover approximately 1,800 nautical miles across the Arabian Sea, with the UAE identified as a viable refuge due to its extensive deep-water ports and container handling infrastructure capable of managing the resultant debris. The aftermath of the fire left significant damage to the ship, affecting almost the entire forward section beyond the deckhouse and bridge, with only a few containers at the stern seemingly shielded from the flames by the deckhouse.

As of August 15, the container ship 'Wan Hai 503,' which recently suffered a fire incident, is currently under tow and being closely monitored by a dedicated salvage team. The vessel can be found approximately 130 nautical miles off the southern coast of India, near the Cape Comorin area, as it drifts in waters close to the India-Sri Lanka maritime border. In light of its situation, the salvage team is actively engaged in communication with potential ports of refuge, carefully evaluating options based on the vessel's condition and the status of its affected cargo. The ongoing plan involves moving the vessel further out to sea while discussions regarding its final destination continue. However, this region is now experiencing the seasonal monsoon, presenting additional challenges. Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping company carrying some of the 'Wan Hai 503's' cargo, announced on August 13 that Sri Lankan authorities have denied a request for refuge in their ports. While the ultimate destination for the salvage operation remains uncertain, there are suggestions that the vessel could potentially be towed towards the Middle East. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders work to determine a safe and suitable solution.

After enduring an anxious two-month period, the fire aboard the cargo vessel 'Wan Hai 503' has finally been extinguished as of August 6. The shipping company, Wai Hai Lines, reported that while the flames had been under control for several weeks, residual smoke and fire persisted until recently. Authorities overseeing the firefighting operations have been closely monitoring the ship’s temperature to prevent any potential flare-ups. Efforts continue to manage residual firefighting water on board, which poses a risk of capsizing if not carefully handled. As of now, the cause of the fire remains unidentified, and the search for the four missing crew members has not yielded any results. To facilitate the firefighting efforts, Wai Hai Lines had enlisted the expertise of T&T Salvage.

Wai Hai Lines' attempt to secure a port of refuge for the 'Wan Hai 503' in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, has hit a snag. Although the China Merchant-operated port initially expressed willingness to accommodate the vessel, negotiations with Sri Lankan government officials regarding salvage conditions fell through. Reports indicate that the authorities demanded a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) for the salvage operation, valuing it at an astonishing $3.25 billion—far beyond customary liability limits. Consequently, the bid for a refuge port has stalled, leaving the 'Wan Hai 503' stranded with salvors off the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, caught in the open sea. As the situation develops, other alternatives in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are under consideration, with Penang emerging as a leading candidate for refuge. Yet, securing governmental approval remains a significant hurdle. Compounding these challenges, concerns arise about the safety of the damaged vessel during a potentially hazardous towing journey across the Indian Ocean, particularly as the monsoon season approaches.

The 'Wn Hai 503' has been safely towed to the Laccadive Sea, located about 150 nautical miles southwest of India and Sri Lanka's shores. To ensure ongoing support for the operation, five tugs are currently stationed at the site. In the meantime, a formal proposal has been put forward to Sri Lankan authorities, outlining key details for a port of refuge. This comprehensive project plan aims to define suitable shelter for the vessel, while alternative terminal options are still being evaluated.

On July 24, the 'Wan Hai 503' underwent towing operations conducted by the 'Offshore Warrior,' situated approximately 90 nautical miles from the boundary of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As preparations advanced for further movement under the forward towing connection, fire conditions aboard the vessel showed marked improvement. Although light smoke was observed from Bays 29 to 35, both flames and heat levels did not escalate, with temperature readings in affected cargo holds stabilizing at a controllable 40–41°C. A team of around 20 salvage experts, including the Salvage Master, actively worked on board, with dewatering operations yielding progressive success. Continuous pumping was performed in Cargo Hold Nos. 5 and 6 to sustain manageable water levels, while the engine room's conditions remained stable under constant surveillance. This dewatering process is crucial not only for operational access but also for necessary inspections and equipment adjustments. Support vessels were effectively coordinating operations alongside salvage activities, with the 'Water Lily' facilitating personnel and material transfers between support tugs and the casualty ship. After a brief maintenance period at Galle Harbour, the 'Virgo' is set to rejoin the efforts by the morning of July 25 to establish the vital forward towing line connection, essential for eventual access to a Port of Refuge. Additionally, the 'Saksham' and 'Nand Saarthi' have been deployed and are on standby for equipment and crew transfers as required. Confirmed to bolster the operational capacity, the 'Advantis Libra' is expected to support the efforts by July 29, taking over from the 'Virgo' once the forward towing line is secured. The Flag State, Singapore, has now assumed primary coordination responsibility for managing this situation alongside the salvors. The Directorate General of Shipping (India) stated that its operational responsibilities would conclude once the vessel is back in international waters beyond its EEZ, pending any new emergencies. However, India has pledged ongoing logistical support if needed, particularly considering the ongoing Southwest Monsoon conditions. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has specified that the vessel cannot enter a port until the forward tow connection is established, which salvage teams aim to finalize by July 27-28 utilizing the 'Virgo.' Furthermore, the MPA has requested comprehensive photographic and structural assessments of the damaged sections on the port side to determine the vessel's seaworthiness for coastal entry. With a successful forward towing connection, salvors will provide updated documentation to the MPA for final review and port clearance. The Directorate General of Shipping (India) reiterated that entry into an Indian Port of Refuge is contingent upon the removal of all bunkers and is currently off the table due to prevailing monsoon conditions. They also urged that if there are any delays in Port of Refuge clearance, safety permitting, the vessel should remain outside all EEZs, particularly near the India-Sri Lanka-Maldives tri-junction. Overall, the situation remains contingent on weather factors; however, considerable advances have been achieved in stabilizing the vessel. With towage secured, reduced fire risks, and personnel safely onboard, operations are now pivoting towards successful relocation and final port entry clearance.

As of July 21, the cargo vessel 'Wan Hai 503' has stabilized, drifting at sea amid rough conditions. On the afternoon of July 20, grey smoke was seen near cargo holds no. 3 and 4, a sign of ongoing residual combustion from smoldering cargo previously reported. The vessel is currently positioned approximately 238 nautical miles southeast of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary, adrift in alignment with prevailing ocean currents, as efforts for an active tow remain unfulfilled. The 'Offshore Warrior' is set to restore its connection with the 'Wan Hai 503' after returning from Cochin, where it replenished crucial supplies such as bunkers and freshwater. Meanwhile, salvage operations continue with a dedicated 16-member team now aboard the vessel, aiming to maintain operational tempo and stability across the board. Basic amenities, including cooling equipment and food supplies, have been provided to support the crew's extended stay. Significant progress has been made in controlling water levels within the engine room and cargo holds. Cargo holds no. 2 and 3 are reported dry, while the engine room currently holds water at about 50 cm, with ongoing dewatering efforts in hold no. 6. The reestablishment of the tow is anticipated following the 'Offshore Warrior’s' arrival on July 22, with plans to return the vessel towards the Indian EEZ, adhering to commitments made to Sri Lankan officials. Additionally, the salvage team has deployed another tug, the 'Advantage Libra', which set sail from Khor Fakkan on July 20 with an estimated arrival on July 27. This will enhance the operational fleet, providing additional support for towage and salvage operations as port entry approaches. The 'Advantis Virgo', which encountered propeller difficulties during previous maneuvers, will return to Colombo for necessary underwater inspections and repairs once the 'Offshore Warrior' resumes towing duties. Until then, it remains on alert. The salvage operation is further supported by the 'Saksham', which is engaged in fire watch and boundary cooling as needed, while the 'Water Lily' continues its role as the primary means for personnel transfer to and from the vessel. The situation remains cautiously optimistic; the 'Wan Hai 503' has displayed impressive structural resilience. The observed emissions of grey smoke are linked to residual combustion and have been managed with boundary cooling techniques due to safety concerns limiting access to affected cargo areas. The emergency towline that parted earlier has been recovered and stored for future use, with a backup towline also being prepared. The salvage team's continuous presence on board highlights a positive operational shift, limiting dependency on the single transfer ship, the 'Water Lily', and allowing for sustained oversight. Moreover, plans are underway for the final stages of casualty removal. Wan Hai Lines has decided to end its contractual relationship with SpillTech and MERC for shoreline cleanup, citing minimal ongoing risks based on evaluations from ITOPF and shoreline drift modeling. However, MERC stands ready should any future emergencies arise. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is reviewing the situation and will issue a formal response soon.

As of July 18, 2023, the 'Wan Hai 503' is still being closely monitored while under tow, drifting methodically in a southeasterly direction amidst challenging sea conditions, with wind gusts reaching 40 knots. Fortunately, no visible flames have been spotted aboard the vessel, and the fire situation appears to be contained. However, residual heat continues to linger in Bay Nos. 33 to 37 of Cargo Hold No. 4, complicating efforts. Temperature monitoring had to be deprioritized temporarily to allocate resources to critical dewatering operations, currently a primary focus. These dewatering efforts are actively taking place in Cargo Hold No. 6 and the engine room, with steady progress observed despite the adverse weather conditions. It's important to note that gas levels within the cargo holds remain hazardous, which is limiting access and hindering thorough inspections or further assessments of the cargo at this time. The stability of the vessel remains secure, and the amount of smoke emanating from the forward holds has decreased significantly. The incident that led to these conditions began on July 15, when the towline transferred from the 'Offshore Warrior' to the 'Atlantis Virgo' parted. Quick action led to establishing an emergency tow connection. By July 17, a permanent towing arrangement was successfully reestablished; however, the 'Advantis Virgo' encountered issues, with its starboard propeller becoming fouled due to the towing wire entanglement, which left only one engine operable. Over the past week, there have been noticeable improvements in the vessel's overall condition, particularly regarding onboard flooding and fire management. The water level in the engine room has been stabilized, and ongoing pumping operations in Cargo Hold No. 6 are progressing. Holds No. 2 and 3 have appeared to dry out, while the engine room’s water depth has been reduced to approximately 50 centimeters. Approximately 2300 tons of bunker fuel remain on board. The salvage team will continue to carefully monitor the hull's temperature, assess structural safety, and evaluate gas conditions within the cargo holds.

As of July 14, the situation surrounding the 'Wan Hai 503' remains in focus as it is currently being towed by the 'Offshore Warrior', positioned outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at coordinates 07°39.84' N, 074°50.57' E. The vessel is navigating a course of 290° at a slow speed of 1.4 knots, situated approximately 140 nautical miles from the Kerala coast. The weather is not cooperating, with wind gusts reaching 62 knots and substantial swells of 2.0 to 2.5 meters, resulting in treacherous sea conditions. Smoke continues to rise from cargo bays 33 to 37, although the situation is currently stable, with no alarming escalation detected. However, a pungent smell of ammonia has been reported from Hold No. 7, suspected to be originating from decomposing organic cargo. Initial assessments indicate a possible presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which creates hazardous conditions for enclosed spaces. Authorities are exploring formal chemical assessments and safe neutralization procedures. As of 3 p.m., six salvors remain on the 'Wan Hai 503'. Adverse weather has hindered the full boarding of the salvage team, leading to multiple aborted attempts and two injurious incidents during personnel transfer operations. In a push to enhance salvage operations, the 'Nand Saarthi' reached the site at 12:35 a.m., facilitating material transfer to both the 'Offshore Warrior' and 'Advantis Virgo'. The team has requested that the 'Water Lily' continues to support safe personnel transfers, citing its reliability and experienced crew. Although the 'Water Lily' managed a partial personnel transfer, inclement sea conditions thwarted the completion of this transfer. Meanwhile, the 'Advantis Virgo' and 'Saksham' remain on standby for firefighting efforts and boundary cooling, but their actions have been limited to essential support due to ongoing rough weather. The 'SCI Panna' has been demobilized and will not be replaced at this time, as the current support fleet is deemed sufficient. In a bid to ensure the well-being of the crew aboard the 'Wan Hai 503', alternatives for providing food and essential supplies are being reviewed, as evacuation remains unfeasible under current weather conditions. Although the situation aboard the vessel is characterized as stable, it still requires ongoing support. Dewatering efforts are being implemented for Hold No. 6, and monitoring of other affected holds is also underway. Water ingress into the cargo holds has resulted from boundary cooling operations, and dewatering is being executed using portable pumps on a hold-by-hold basis. Current firefighting efforts are focused on containment rather than full extinguishment. Full fire suppression will require the vessel to be docked in a Port of Refuge, and a comprehensive proposal for relocation has been submitted for review. Phase II plans, encompassing debunkering, hazardous cargo management, and complete fire suppression, will commence upon receipt of approval from authorities. On July 16, the 'Wan Hai 503' showed signs of further stabilization. The vessel was successfully handed over to the 'Advantis Virgo', which is now conducting towing operations in challenging weather. Extensive dewatering has taken place, reducing displacement by approximately 9,000 tonnes, which has improved freeboard and visibility of draft marks. Significant progress has been made in dewatering the engine room and cargo holds, though Hold No. 7 continues to emit H₂S gas, indicating potential respiratory hazards for personnel. While grey smoke persists from Bays 33 to 37, the fire appears to be under control, with temperature monitoring reflecting stable conditions. The 'Advantis Virgo' is now primarily responsible for towing, supported by the 'Water Lily' for personnel and equipment transfers, while the 'Saksham' has made a return trip for necessary fire suppression supplies. Efforts are ongoing to secure coordination with Port of Refuge authorities. The completion of Phase 1 of the salvage plan concerning safe towage has been submitted, while Phase 2 addressing cargo discharge is making swift progress. Updated assessments with DNV ERS are being executed, focusing on structural integrity and stability evaluations, which are critical for the vessel's entry into sheltered waters. As weather conditions improve, personnel transfer and operational capabilities remain a priority. Photographic updates and additional details can be found here: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/07/17/afkoelen-wan-hai-503-na-brand-verloopt-voorspoedig-machinekamer-grotendeels-leeggepompt/

On July 4, a new fire erupted on the container ship 'Wan Hai 503', leading to the suspension of towing operations as of the morning of July 5. This incident has cast uncertainty over the vessel’s anticipated relocation to the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka, as the fire must be fully extinguished before any movement can take place. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is now considering the option of rerouting the ship to an alternative port located in an African nation. Efforts to combat the blaze have involved significant resources, with the tug 'Advantis Virgo' assisting in deploying approximately 12,000 liters of a specialized chemical mixture to extinguish the flames. As of the latest reports, around 3,000 liters of this mixture remains on hand, and authorities are exploring the possibility of acquiring additional supplies from Singapore to ensure the fire is completely quenched. Authorities have also made troubling discoveries, identifying undeclared items in 243 containers aboard the vessel. This finding raises suspicions that the presence of these goods could be contributing to the ongoing issue of recurring fires, despite intensified firefighting efforts. As a context, the 'Wan Hai 503' is currently situated 3.5 nautical miles south of the 200-nautical mile boundary, complicating the situation further. Stakeholders remain hopeful for a prompt resolution as they work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship.

On July 2, following a temporary improvement in weather conditions, a dedicated salvage team of 16 members successfully boarded the distressed vessel 'Wan Hai 503'. Their main objective was to conduct a comprehensive search for a missing crew member in all accessible areas of the ship; unfortunately, no traces of the individual were found. The salvage operation has seen the activation of five pumps onboard, effectively dewatering both the engine room and affected cargo holds. These efforts have resulted in a remarkable decrease in water levels within the engine room, by an impressive 3.5 metres, which has subsequently lowered the overall draft of the vessel, enhancing safety for ongoing operations. Fortunately, the visible fire onboard has been largely contained, with only light smoke being observed emanating from the forward section of the accommodation block and cargo hold no. 4. Recent assessments have confirmed no active flames during the salvage team's operations. The team is consistently monitoring hull and hold temperatures using thermal imaging equipment, aiming to detect any structural heat stress or potential flare-ups. Furthermore, approximately 9,000 litres of the Pyrocool firefighting agent have been deployed, successfully reducing hotspot temperatures, especially in cargo hold no. 4, where the maximum temperatures have decreased to 64°C on the port side and 68°C on the starboard side. The towing platform 'Offshore Warrior' continues to maintain the vessel's position beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Several support vessels including 'Saroja Blessings', 'Saksham', 'Water Lily', 'SCI Panna', and the newly dispatched 'Virgo' are actively involved in essential operations such as boundary cooling, material transfer, thermal imaging, and personnel rotation. The firefighting team's strategy has shifted to localized cooling operations, employing hatch-cover mounted arrangements aimed at addressing the heat-affected zones. Around 6,000 litres of Pyrocool have been reserved in case of an escalation, with additional supplies strategically staged in Singapore for immediate deployment. CO₂ has been introduced into cargo hold no. 5 to suppress smoldering fires, with two additional CO₂ discharges on standby if necessary. Concurrently, the salvage crew has begun ventilating starboard side tunnels to mitigate hazardous gas concentrations, allowing for safer forward access and possible operations on the bow. Preparations are underway to rig a Dyneema towline on the bow as a backup towing arrangement, ensuring flexibility should the current tow connections face challenges. Upgrading existing soft towlines to steel or Dyneema ropes is also a top priority, subject to operational capabilities and sea conditions. The 'SCI Panna' remains steadfast in its role, providing coastal support within the jurisdiction of India. Cargo hold no. 4 continues to exhibit heightened temperatures of about 64°C on the port side and 68°C on the starboard side, along with ongoing smoldering of the cargo, which includes plastic resin containers. Although localized high temperatures have been noted in cargo hold no. 5 on the starboard side, it remains contained following the CO₂ release. The engine room is partially flooded, with water ingress suspected from the cargo holds, yet continuous pumping efforts are effectively lowering water levels, prioritizing total dewatering as weather conditions permit. The search for the missing crew member is still active in accessible locations. Despite high winds and swells occasionally hampering operations, salvage teams are maximizing any available weather windows for critical actions. A detailed proposal for a Port of Refuge is being prepared for submission. Ongoing vessel stability assessments, as well as bunker and ballast soundings, accompany the ventilation of enclosed spaces to ensure readiness for subsequent movement. The situation demands consistent efforts towards dewatering, fire containment, and securing safe entry into a Port of Refuge. All relevant governmental agencies are engaged to ensure environmental protection, the safety of life, and the mitigation of escalation risks.

On June 30, the Wan Hai 503 was positioned at 07°52.60' N, 074°50.09' E, cruising steadily at 0.8 knots on a course of 290°, approximately 130 nautical miles offshore from India, beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel's movements remained stable thanks to synchronized towing efforts. There's a sustained light smoke emission from the area ahead of the accommodation block, signifying residual smoldering in cargo hold no. 4, though no flames have been spotted. Structural assessments revealed localized buckling caused by heat between Frames 103 and 113. However, evaluations conducted by T&T Salvage, DNV, and specialized naval architects confirmed the vessel's structural integrity and overall stability. Dewatering efforts commenced at 7:30 AM with the deployment of four pumps, each capable of moving between 150 and 250 m³/hour, aimed at extracting water from the flooded engine room. As operations progressed, five pumps were actively engaged in draining the interconnected compartments of the flooded engine room. Initial investigations indicate that the water ingress is likely linked to the interconnected areas between the engine room and cargo hold no. 3. Fortunately, the quality of the water extracted remains stable with only minimal traces of oil, suggesting that there has been no significant new influx of water. The multi-agency response continues to operate efficiently with resources adeptly allocated at the scene. The vessel Water Lily has been instrumental in facilitating personnel and material transfers, successfully acquiring salvage equipment from the Saroja Blessing earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the Saksham stands ready for additional support, with the Saroja Blessing on alert for firefighting and supplies. Salvage teams on board have resumed the installation of equipment and are operating five pumps continuously for effective water extraction. The Offshore Warrior maintains towage operations, ensuring the vessel remains clear of the Indian EEZ, with a current power utilization rate of 75%. Plans were made to ensure that dewatering operations continue uninterrupted overnight, with salvors aiming to stabilize internal flooding to support safe boarding and enable comprehensive fire suppression measures, inclusive of improved boundary cooling and application of additional firefighting agents weather permitting. More assets, including the Atlantis Virgo and SCI Panna, are en route with vital firefighting equipment and 7,000 liters of Pyrocool expected to bolster fire suppression efforts within the next 24 hours. Arrangements are in place for continued overnight operations, with emergency evacuation plans established to safeguard personnel during night activities. The overarching goal is to maintain a relentless 24/7 dewatering operation utilizing both hydraulic and submersible pumps, supplemented by emergency power sourced from the vessel's systems and portable generators. The steady operation of five pumps has proven effective in reducing engine room flooding, yet complete dewatering remains critical for assessing machinery damage and reinstating emergency power systems. To date, over 5,000 cubic meters of water have been successfully removed, lowering water levels by approximately 1.75 meters. Further efforts to access the forward sections of the vessel for additional firefighting and structural evaluation will proceed once dewatering sufficiently mitigates onboard risks. Discussions regarding a Port of Refuge are advancing positively, with the formal submission of necessary documentation underway. However, final approvals rely on demonstrating the vessel's stability, extinguishing residual smoldering, and achieving safe dewatering. Alternative port options continue to be assessed. The vessel operates within a high-traffic shipping corridor, prompting the Directorate to issue heightened navigational warnings to passing vessels to avert incidents in this strategic route between Sri Lanka and the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Coast Guard is actively providing aerial surveillance and maritime monitoring, maintaining preparedness for any required intervention. Ongoing inter-agency coordination, involving MPA Singapore, ITOPF, and Indian authorities, aims to manage the situation effectively and avert any environmental or navigational risks. Currently, offshore oil removal is deemed unsafe under prevailing conditions, with defueling alongside a wharf at a Port of Refuge being the preferred option. Salvage teams continue their preparations to transition from soft to wire towlines, advance dewatering efforts, and monitor the vessel's structural integrity vigilantly.