Indian Navy Rescues 18 Crew Members from Fire-Struck Ship Off Kerala Coast
Rescue Operation Off Kerala Coast
The Indian Navy’s INS Surat vessel, carrying 18 crew members rescued from the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, arrived at New Mangalore Port on June 9 at 10:45 p.m.
Details of the Rescue
The MV Wan Hai 503, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, caught fire approximately 78 nautical miles off the Beypore coast, Kerala, on June 9. The Indian Navy promptly responded to the distress call, and INS Surat rescued 18 out of the 22 crew members on board.
Injuries and Missing Persons
Among the rescued crew members, six were injured, with two critically injured and four with minor injuries. The critically injured persons are Lu Yanli and Sonitur Haeni, while those with minor injuries are Xu Fabao, Guo Linino, Thein Than Htay, and Kyi Zaw Htoo. They were admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
Nationalities of Rescued Crew Members
The rescued crew members include:
- 8 Chinese
- 4 Taiwanese
- 4 from Myanmar
- 2 from Indonesia
Missing Crew Members and Investigation
Unfortunately, four crew members are still missing at sea:
- Yu Bo-Fong
- San Win
- Zaenal Abidin
- Hsieh Chia-Wen
Assistance and Support
The Mangaluru Police Commissionerate and port authorities extended all necessary assistance to ensure the injured received timely medical attention. The other crew members were accommodated in a hotel.
Conclusion and Future Developments
The Indian Navy’s swift response and rescue operation undoubtedly saved lives. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the focus remains on locating the missing crew members. The incident highlights the importance of international cooperation and preparedness in maritime emergencies.
