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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : In a dramatic high-seas operation, a joint force from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard has successfully brought a massive blaze on a container ship under control, towing the scorched vessel away from the Indian coast and preventing a potential environmental and navigational disaster.

The crisis began when the MV Wan Hai 503, a Singaporean-flagged vessel, caught fire in the Arabian Sea while en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Nhava Sheva, near Mumbai. Carrying over 600 containers of cargo and 21 crew members, the ship sent out a distress call after a fire erupted in one of its cargo holds approximately 25 nautical miles off the coast of Kollam, Kerala.

An immediate and coordinated response was launched. The Indian Coast Guard ship Samarth, already on patrol, was rerouted to the scene, while the Indian Navy deployed its guided-missile destroyer INS Kochi and the patrol vessel INS Kabra to assist.

Upon arrival, the rescue teams faced a challenging inferno. For hours, they engaged in a relentless firefighting effort. A key strategy known as "boundary cooling" was employed, where the ships continuously doused the vessel's hull and surrounding containers with water. This crucial technique prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the ship and helped maintain its structural integrity.

After bringing the blaze under control, the teams achieved a major milestone by successfully connecting a tow line to the massive, powerless ship. In a carefully managed operation, the MV Wan Hai 503 was pulled further into the sea, away from India’s busy shipping lanes and its sensitive coastal ecosystem. This critical move has significantly reduced the risk of marine pollution and ensured maritime traffic can continue safely.

All 21 crew members aboard the container ship are reported to be safe. The vessel is now being held in a secure location in international waters, awaiting the arrival of a salvage team that will assess the full extent of the damage and plan its recovery. The successful collaboration between the Indian Navy and Coast Guard stands as a powerful testament to their readiness and capability in safeguarding India's maritime interests.


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