Indian Navy’s Timely Heroics: INS Surat Rescues 18 from Sea Fire Disaster
In a gripping rescue operation off the coast of Kerala, the Indian Navy’s warship INS Surat saved 18 crew members from the fire-engulfed Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503. The operation unfolded on June 9, 2025, when a massive blaze broke out aboard the vessel approximately 78 nautical miles off Beypore, en route from Colombo to Mumbai.
The distress call triggered an immediate response. INS Surat was promptly diverted, showcasing the Navy’s rapid reaction capability. The warship successfully rescued 18 out of 22 crew members aboard the burning cargo ship.
Among the 18 rescued:
Eight are Chinese nationals
Four are Taiwanese
Four from Myanmar
Two from Indonesia
Sadly, four crew members remain missing—a reminder of the dangers faced at sea.
Injured Brought to Mangaluru
At 10:45 p.m., INS Surat docked at New Mangalore Port, carrying the rescued personnel. Of them, six were injured:
Critically Injured: Lu Yanli and Sonitur Haeni
Minor Injuries: Xu Fabao, Guo Linino, Thein Than Htay, Kyi Zaw Htoo
They were immediately admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru, thanks to swift coordination between Mangaluru Police Commissionerate, port authorities, and medical teams.
Others Safely Sheltered
The remaining rescued crew were taken to a local hotel for shelter. Authorities ensured proper accommodation and language support for the diverse crew.
Missing Persons:
Yu Bo-Fong
San Win
Zaenal Abidin
Hsieh Chia-Wen
The search and rescue operation is ongoing to trace these four individuals, with surveillance teams closely monitoring sea drift patterns.
Blaze at Sea: What Went Wrong?
The cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire while on its course from Colombo to Mumbai. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) has estimated that cargo containers may continue drifting for at least three more days, posing threats to maritime safety in the area.
Why This Matters
This event highlights:
India’s strategic maritime readiness
The Indian Navy’s swift disaster response capability
The importance of international maritime safety coordination
It also underlines the risks associated with transnational shipping and the need for stringent fire safety measures aboard cargo vessels.
Human Stories Amidst the Crisis
The rescued crew, hailing from diverse nations, survived a terrifying ordeal at sea. While two fight for their lives in a hospital, families of the missing await news. Their fate underscores the emotional and human cost of shipping disasters.
Conclusion
The successful operation by INS Surat once again reflects the Indian Navy’s pivotal role in ensuring safety in the Indian Ocean Region. As the search continues for the missing, the story serves as a powerful testament to bravery, preparedness, and international cooperation at sea.