Welltrans Logistics Update: Wan Hai 503 Fire Incident Follow-Up

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Welltrans Logistics Update: Wan Hai 503 Fire Incident Follow-Up

As a follow-up to our previous report on the MV Wan Hai 503 fire incident (read here), we provide the latest updates on the ongoing situation as of June 17, 2025. The Singapore-registered container ship, operated by Wan Hai Lines, continues to face challenges following a fire and explosion on June 9, 2025, approximately 54 nautical miles off India’s west coast.

Current Status of MV Wan Hai 503

The MV Wan Hai 503 remains ablaze as firefighting and towing operations, initiated on June 13, enter their third day. Extreme weather conditions have made salvage, firefighting, and towing efforts highly challenging. The Indian Directorate General of Shipping reports that while the situation is under control, the vessel is being towed at a slow speed of 1.5 knots due to adverse weather. The fire continues to burn in the ship’s midsection, with authorities actively cooling the vessel’s boundaries to manage the situation. Hazardous materials in the cargo have produced chemical smoke, prompting authorities to tow the ship westward, away from India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, to minimize coastal risks. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted extreme weather in Kerala over the coming days, which may further complicate operations.

Wan Hai Lines’ Official Statement

Wan Hai Lines – Statement on Fire Incident Aboard WAN HAI 503 Vessel 
Date: June 15, 2025
 
On June 9, 2025 (GMT +8 hrs), Wan Hai Lines notified relevant authorities and media that earlier that same day, during its voyage in the Indian Ocean 54 nautical miles off the west coast of India, the Singapore flagged vessel WAN HAI 503 vessel (Chinese name: “Wan Chun Lun”), operated by our company, reported a fire on board after detecting thick smoke. 
 
Wan Hai activated its emergency response teams on board the ship, and in our offices in Taipei, Singapore and in Mumbai immediately.  It also began closely coordinating with the crew, relevant coastal state authorities in India and flag state authorities in Singapore, and insurance providers, to carry out emergency response procedures.  No oil pollution was reported.  
 
After joint assessment by the ship’s master and local Indian maritime Navy and Coast Guard authorities on the ground, and in accordance with international maritime regulations, the crew was ordered to abandon ship to ensure their safety.
 
There were 22 crew members aboard. Of these, 4 were missing; 2 from Taiwan , and 1 each from Indonesia and Myanmar.  Search and rescue efforts to locate the 4 missing seafarers began immediately and are still on-going at this time.  Wan Hai is already in close touch with the family members of the missing crew members.
 
The remaining 18 crew members were safely evacuated with the assistance of rapid intervention by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Initially five crew members were hospitalised due to injuries.  After further medical assessment, one additional crew members with minor injuries was also admitted as a precaution, bringing the total to six.  He has since been discharged after examination and treatment.
 
With the assistance of relevant agencies, the rescued and recovered crew members have been properly accommodated and are receiving the necessary medical and follow up care.
 
On 10 June 2025, Wan Hai, in consultation with the Indian maritime authorities, appointed an international salvage company, T&T Salvage, to coordinate with the Indian authorities and attend to the salvage of the Wan Hai 503.  T&T immediately dispatched their ocean going tug Offshore Warrior to the scene.
 
On 13 June 2025, at around 1700 hours, with the assistance of the Indian Navy, a salvage team was winched onto the deck of the Wan Hai 503 from an Indian navy helicopter.  Subsequently, the team managed to connect a tow rope to the Offshore Warrior to secure the Wan Hai 503. Additionally, T&T Salvage also deployed 3 fire fighting tugs – Garnet, Saksham, Water Lilly and Triton.  Two more salvage vessels are scheduled to arrive on scene today – Saroja Blessing and Boka Winger.
 
The WAN HAI 503 is currently being towed westwards away from the Indian coastline to protect the Indian coastline, and its maritime and fisheries resources.
 
Wan Hai continues to actively work with Indian maritime authorities, the salvors and insurance providers to continue search and rescue for the missing crew members, and to protect the Indian coast and its marine environment.  The salvors will also attempt to protect the remaining cargo on board, and conduct risk evaluation for the ensuing ship salvage operations. 
 
Wan Hai and our crew members are deeply grateful to the Indian authorities – the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard for their rapid response to our master’s call for assistance.  Their heroic intervention helped prevent further loss of life and injuries to our crew, and the total loss of the ship.
 
[Wan Hai deeply regrets this incident and any losses arising from it.  The Company is doing its utmost to locate our missing crew members, care for our rescued seafarers, and secure the ship.]  We acknowledge the genuine concerns expressed by Indian maritime authorities of the risks of damage to their coastlines and marine environment. We have instructed our salvors to prioritize protection of the marine environment in their on-going salvage operations.
 
In addition to T&T Salvage, TMC Marine, a member of the international ship classification society Bureau Veritas group, was also appointed as consultants to advise and assist Wan Hai and its insurers in the on-going salvage operations.  
 
The WAN HAI 503 sails under the Singaporean flag and operates on the South China–India route in a joint service with Evergreen Marine Corp and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.  Authorities are assessing all cargo and possible origins.  Wan Hai is actively assisting with the on-going investigations by the Indian coastal state and the Singapore flag state authorities into this incident.
 
We will provide timely updates as more information becomes available.  
 
Queries may be directed to Wan Hai’s contact persons:
Ms Laura SU at [email protected]
Ms Maggie YAO at [email protected]
Photographs of the WAN HAI 503 at berth, and at the incident site, together with the Vessel’s fact sheet, are appended.

On June 15, Wan Hai Lines issued its first official statement regarding the incident, followed by a critical notice on June 16. The company emphasized the importance of accurate cargo declarations, reiterating that failure to properly declare cargo—through concealment, omission, or misrepresentation—will result in a penalty of USD 100,000 per unit, as stipulated in their transportation contracts.

Wan Hai Lines stated:

On June 9, 2025 (GMT+8), the Singapore-registered MV Wan Hai 503, operating on the South China-India route, reported heavy smoke and a fire while navigating 54 nautical miles off India’s west coast. Wan Hai Lines immediately activated emergency response teams in Taipei, Singapore, Mumbai, and onboard, collaborating with crew, Indian authorities, Singapore’s flag state authorities, and insurers to implement emergency measures.

Initial assessments confirm no oil pollution from the incident. Following international maritime protocols, the captain ordered evacuation to ensure crew safety. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were safely evacuated with assistance from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, while four remain missing (two Taiwanese, one Indonesian, one Myanmar national). Search and rescue efforts continue, with Wan Hai Lines providing support to the families of the missing. Six crew members sustained injuries, with one discharged after treatment and one additional crew member hospitalized for precautionary measures. The evacuated crew are receiving medical care and support.

On June 10, Wan Hai Lines appointed T&T Salvage to coordinate rescue operations. On June 13, T&T’s team, supported by the Indian Navy, boarded the vessel via helicopter and connected it to the tug Offshore Warrior. Three firefighting tugs (Garnet, Saksham, Water Lilly) and Triton, along with two additional rescue vessels (Saroja Blessing, Boka Winger), are assisting. The ship is being towed away from India’s coast to protect marine and fishery resources. Wan Hai Lines, in collaboration with Indian authorities, T&T Salvage, and Bureau Veritas’ TMC Marine, is working to rescue missing crew, secure cargo, and assess further risks while prioritizing environmental protection.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with Wan Hai Lines cooperating with Indian and Singapore authorities to identify the cargo and potential ignition sources. The company expresses deep gratitude to the Indian government, particularly the Directorate General of Shipping, Navy, and Coast Guard, for their swift response, which prevented further casualties and total vessel loss.

It is worth noting that on June 16, Wan Hai Lines reiterated that all customers must declare goods truthfully and correctly regarding the concealment, omission, or misdeclaration of goods. For any false declaration of goods, the carrier has the right to charge the cargo owner a penalty of USD100,000/UNIT in accordance with the agreement between the two parties when entering into the transportation contract.

Penalty for underreporting/omission/misreporting of property

Welltrans Logistics’ Commitment

At Welltrans Logistics, we are closely monitoring this incident, which highlights the critical importance of safety and compliance in maritime logistics. While Welltrans Logistics was not directly involved with MV Wan Hai 503, we reaffirm our commitment to rigorous safety standards and accurate cargo declarations in our operations. We urge all clients to ensure precise reporting of cargo details to prevent risks and comply with carrier regulations. Our team is available to assist with proper documentation and compliance to ensure safe and efficient transport.

We extend our thoughts to the affected crew members, their families, and Wan Hai Lines, and we commend the heroic efforts of the Indian authorities. For inquiries or assistance with secure logistics solutions, please visit welltrans-logistics.com or contact our team.

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