China Expresses Gratitude To Indian Navy For Rescuing Crew From Burning Cargo Ship

The Chinese government has extended its appreciation to the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard for their swift and professional rescue of 14 Chinese crew members from the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503. The ship caught fire following an onboard explosion while sailing off the Kerala coast on June 9, prompting an immediate response from Indian maritime forces.  

Rescue Operation And Response  

- The Indian Navy diverted INS Surat and deployed a Dornier aircraft from INS Garuda to assess the situation and assist in rescue efforts  
- The Indian Coast Guard mobilized five ships—Sachet, Arnvesh, Samudra Prahari, Abhinav, and Rajdoot—along with a C144 aircraft for firefighting and evacuation operations  
- The crew, which included 14 Chinese and six Taiwanese nationals, was successfully rescued and brought ashore at Mangalore Port  

Firefighting And Vessel Status  

- The vessel continues to experience sporadic explosions and fires, with thick smoke rising from the mid-section and container bay  
- Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet remain engaged in firefighting and boundary cooling operations to prevent further damage  
- Additional containers have reportedly fallen overboard, and the ship is listing approximately 10 to 15 degrees to port  

Diplomatic Acknowledgment And Industry Perspective  

- Chinese Ambassador to India Yu Jing publicly thanked the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for their prompt and professional response  
- The incident underscores India’s maritime capabilities and commitment to international cooperation in emergency situations  
- The rescue operation highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in ensuring safety at sea, reinforcing India’s role as a key player in regional maritime security  

Sources: Firstpost, The Statesman, News18.