Shore-bound Wan Hai towed away

1
2
3
4
Kochi: The Singapore-flagged distressed vessel MV Wan Hai 503 was towed to 45 nautical miles away from Azhikkal coast in Kannur as of Saturday evening. The ship, which caught fire following a container explosion 44 nautical miles off the coast on Monday, had come closer to land by 17 miles even as the
Indian Coast Guard
controlled the fire following a continuous effort.
An official statement said the ship was beyond the 1,000-metre sounding line (depth) and was being towed to deeper waters. Defence PRO said smoke was still emanating, but the ship was stable with a tilt to port (left). Tug Offshore Warrior is pulling the vessel.
Coast Guard ship Saksham is fuelling the tug so that it continues to operate without disruption. Vikram and Samarth, along with IN Ship Sharda, tug Water Lily, Triton Liberty and Garnett, continue to take turns for boundary cooling, said an official update.
On Friday, the international team undertaking salvage operations of MV Wan Hai 503 was successfully inserted by the Indian Navy's Seaking helicopter amid challenging weather conditions and flames onboard. The salvage team was winched down to connect the tow between the distressed vessel and Tug Offshore Warrior.
It was essential as Coast Guard vessels have limited bollard pull — a term denoting the towing capacity of a ship.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Het meest ontspannende boerderijspel van 2025. Geen installatie
Taonga: la fattoria sull'isola
Play Now
Undo
While they were able to keep the MV Wan Hai 503 away from the coast, strong winds caused it to drift rapidly towards shore, the statement said.
"Due to heavy weather, towing speed is restricted to 1.5 knots," the statement said.
It further said that the Coast Guard was closely coordinating with the directorate general of shipping to ensure the vessel remains at least 50 nautical miles from the Indian coastline until a suitable fate is decided by the owners of the vessel, in line with internationally accepted practices.
"This marks a major stride in mitigating a hazardous situation and safeguarding our coastal environment. The situation is expected to further stabilise with the anticipated arrival of additional firefighting tugs to support the ongoing operation," the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that information was received from the Coast Guard that containers which fell from the vessel were likely to land in the southern parts of Ernakulam district and coastal areas of Alappuzha and Kollam districts.
It has cautioned the public against touching any object found on the seashore and is suspected to have fallen from the ship.
The KSDMA directed that a distance of 200 metres be maintained from such objects and to call 112 — the emergency response support system number — immediately.
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Weekly Horoscope (June 23 – June 29): Predictions for Dog Chinese Zodiac

Dogs are loyal, sincere and protective. This week invites you to stop chasing only duty and allow some joy into your path. You often carry responsibility with silence, but now, make space for laughter, small pleasures, and personal dreams. Joy will not disturb your work—it will energise it. When you find fun in daily life, your inner light grows stronger. Let happiness be a tool, not a reward you keep for later. Weekly Career Horoscope for Dog Chinese Zodiac In career, Dogs may feel the weight of others' expectations. But remember, you are allowed to enjoy what you do. This is the time to explore a role that feels meaningful, not just safe. Careers in service, law, medicine or teaching will suit you. But wherever you are, bring a smile to your space. Avoid burnout by balancing responsibility with creativity. A small moment of joy at work brings long-lasting motivation and strength. Weekly Love Horoscope for Dog Chinese Zodiac In love, Dogs should share their feelings more freely. You often support others, but forget your own heart. This week, joy comes through mutual care, not just silent sacrifice. If in a relationship, plan fun activities together. Laugh and grow close again. If single, do not only seek someone serious—look for someone who makes your heart feel light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo Love needs happiness to grow. Let go of past worries, and choose kindness over perfection. Weekly Money Horoscope for Dog Chinese Zodiac Financially, Dogs will benefit from simple joy-focused spending. Avoid over-saving to the point of sadness. A healthy financial life includes small comforts. Of course, stay wise and plan ahead, but allow space for what brings true happiness. If a purchase brings peace or supports your growth, it may be worth it. Income may rise through creative efforts. Avoid fear-based choices. Trust in your steady approach, and let joy support your money path. Weekly Education Horoscope for Dog Chinese Zodiac In education, Dogs should stop treating learning like a burden. When you enjoy what you study, your memory and interest improve. Pick topics that touch your heart. Take breaks for hobbies or light moments. Avoid negative self-talk. Ask for help when needed—there is no shame in support. A positive environment helps you study better. Laugh between chapters. Joy is not against discipline—it is the light that keeps your focus alive. Weekly Health Horoscope for Dog Chinese Zodiac Health-wise, Dogs must care for their back, heart and emotional balance. Carrying too much silently may lead to pain or heaviness in chest. Do light stretching and focus on posture. Emotional tension should be shared with a friend or written out. Eat warm, simple food and take short walks in the evening. Avoid isolating yourself. Joy is a healing force—when you let it in, your whole system begins to glow with strength. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .

Business Standard

2 hours ago

• Business Standard

Kerala's fishing economy reels from back-to-back maritime disasters

Kerala's coastal communities are on edge after two major maritime accidents in the Arabian Sea within a short span, threatening not only fragile marine ecosystems but also the livelihoods of thousands who depend on them. The back-to-back incidents—first involving the MSC Elsa 3, followed by a fire aboard MV Wan Hai 503—have triggered bans on fishing, fears of contamination, and disruptions to the state's marine economy. According to Kerala Fisheries Statistics 2021, over one million people in the state depend directly or indirectly on fisheries, including more than 2.4 lakh active fishermen across 222 marine fishing villages. When did the incidents occur? The MSC ELSA-3, a Liberian-flagged container ship carrying 640 containers (including hazardous materials like calcium carbide), capsized and sank on May 25, about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, off Kerala's coast. The MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged container vessel, caught fire on June 9, roughly 78 nautical miles off Beypore, Kerala, following an under-deck explosion. After the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck, authorities imposed an eight-day fishing ban within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the wreck site. The timing could not have been worse—it coincided with the onset of the monsoon season, typically a peak period for fish catch. In 2020-21, Kerala produced 6.15 lakh tonnes of fish and prawns, highlighting the scale of economic activity now at risk. The government's interim relief included ₹1,000 and 6 kg of rice per family, a measure many in the fishing community criticised as inadequate. 'June to September is when we earn the most. This amount doesn't even cover two days of work,' said a fisherman from the Alappuzha-Kollam region, highlighting how compensation fell below the daily minimum wage. Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to remove marine sediments from affected coastlines in Alappuzha, Kollam, and parts of Thiruvananthapuram have made uneven progress. Although communities have resumed fishing in some areas, fears of contamination persist. Environmental fears mount Experts say that while no mass fish deaths have been reported so far, the real danger may lie in delayed ecological impacts. 'If the water is not treated and sediments are not properly removed, this could lead to long-term consequences,' said a local fishing union representative. 'It's not just our community—this could affect people inland too, through the food chain and market supply.' Kollam, which usually lands around 35,000 tonnes of fish daily, has seen a steep drop in supply and demand alike. Several fish markets have reported little or no demand for days, as people are worried about possible contamination from hazardous cargo and oil spills. This has led to a direct loss of income for thousands of families who depend on fishing. According to Dr Sajeevan, professor at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), misinformation about contamination is already hurting fish sales. Many regular fish eaters are switching to alternatives like meat or avoiding fish from affected areas altogether, he said. Scientific teams deployed to assess impact The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has deployed teams to assess environmental and economic fallout. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the National Institute of Oceanography are also expected to conduct studies on water quality and ecological recovery. 'Proper scientific monitoring and treatment are essential to contain long-term damage,' Dr Sajeevan added. 'We may not be seeing marine organism deaths now, but that doesn't rule out contamination. The impact on spawning, migration, and species diversity could emerge over time.' The way forward While cleanup operations are underway, fishers and environmentalists alike are demanding stricter regulation of maritime traffic near coastal zones and faster relief mechanisms. Experts are also calling for a contingency plan to protect coastal economies from future maritime mishaps. 'The government must establish a coordinated response framework that includes emergency cleanup, livelihood protection, and scientific risk assessments,' said a CMFRI official. 'Kerala's marine economy cannot afford repeated shocks.' For now, coastal families wait anxiously—not just for fish to return to their nets, but for assurance that their waters, and their futures, remain safe.

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Weekly Horoscope (June 23 – June 29): Predictions for Rooster Chinese Zodiac

Roosters are proud, disciplined and detail-loving. This week, life is bringing change not to disturb you, but to shape your future. You may feel uncertain in the beginning, but lean into it. Change has a plan for you. Let go of fixed ideas and open space for new ways. Your natural focus and hard work will help you adjust well. Weekly Career Horoscope for Rooster Chinese Zodiac In your career, Roosters may face shifts in structure or leadership. Rather than resist, try to understand what change wants to teach you. This week may bring chances in management, public roles, or creative planning. You may need to adjust how you communicate with co-workers. Be open to learning new tools. What seems like a break is often a bridge. Let go of perfection and show your flexibility. Growth hides behind change. Weekly Love Horoscope for Rooster Chinese Zodiac In love, Roosters may need to update how they express themselves. Holding on to old hurts or strict ideas can block emotional growth. This is a time to forgive, heal and adapt. If in a relationship, try to understand your partner's change as a natural part of life. Emotional openness will bring deeper love. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo Let your heart evolve with time. Weekly Money Horoscope for Rooster Chinese Zodiac Financially, Roosters should watch their habits and update their money plans. Changes at work or in market conditions may require new saving methods. Avoid risky decisions and do not panic. Think long-term. This week, you may need to stop old spending patterns and start fresh. A small change in daily habits can create large savings. Stay calm. With steady planning and clear vision, your financial path will become smoother and more secure. Weekly Education Horoscope for Rooster Chinese Zodiac In education, Roosters may find that their usual study methods need adjustment. Do not fear if things feel different or if results take time. Try new learning techniques. Discuss with teachers or friends to see fresh angles. Avoid being too strict with yourself. Rest is also part of progress. Change your schedule if it no longer serves you. When you work with the flow of change, knowledge will come more easily and stay longer. Weekly Health Horoscope for Rooster Chinese Zodiac Roosters must take care of their lungs, throat and skin this week. Weather changes or stress can bring cough, dryness or throat problems. Stay warm during cooler months and avoid very cold drinks. Practice deep breathing exercises to keep lungs strong. Apply natural oils or moisturisers to protect your skin. Accepting emotional change also brings physical relief. Care for your breath, it carries your strength. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .