The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Navy and Air Force, carried out a critical operation on Friday to secure a cargo ship that had been drifting dangerously off the coast of Kochi.
The container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, was towed successfully by the tugboat Offshore Warrior about 20 nautical miles from the shore. Earlier, rough weather caused the ship to lose control and start drifting, sparking fears of damage to the nearby marine area.
Despite poor weather and high waves, a Navy Sea King helicopter managed to lower a salvage team onto the vessel. Their efforts helped control the situation, allowing for safer handling of the ship.
Three Coast Guard ships remained nearby to assist with fire control and ensure the ship’s safe movement. Officials confirmed only light smoke and a few hotspots remain onboard, which are being monitored closely.
Authorities say the joint operation helped prevent what could have been a serious threat to the marine environment along the southwest coast. The Coast Guard is now working closely with the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure the ship stays at least 50 nautical miles from the Indian shoreline.
The action follows international rules as teams wait for further word from the vessel’s owners. More firefighting help is on the way to bring the situation under full control. The effort reflects the strong coordination among Indian forces when dealing with maritime trouble, with a clear focus on keeping both lives and the sea safe.
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