In a remarkable demonstration of aerial firefighting capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) engaged a Mi17V5 helicopter in a critical operation to combat a significant blaze aboard the cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, located off the coast of Kochi. The vessel, which was en route to Singapore from Colombo and Mumbai, became engulfed in flames following an internal container explosion that occurred on Monday.
Responding to this emergency, the IAF deployed the helicopter to drop an impressive 2600 kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) directly onto the burning sections of the ship. The choice to utilize DCP highlights the serious nature of the fire, as this firefighting agent is typically reserved for tackling incidents involving highly flammable materials or scenarios where water may not be an effective solution.
The operation, which began early Thursday morning, underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maritime disaster response. Coordination with the Indian Coast Guard has been pivotal in managing the incident, which occurs shortly after another maritime emergency in the region involving the sinking of the M.S.C. ELSA 3. The urgency of the situation is amplified due to concerns over potential environmental ramifications and navigational hazards that could arise from uncontrolled flames or associated disasters.
Officials explained that the decision to employ DCP was strategically made to reduce the risks of secondary explosions or chemical leaks, especially considering the nature of the cargo aboard the Wan Hai 503. Additionally, the operation aims to prevent catastrophic oil spills that could inflict severe damage on Kerala’s marine ecosystems.
The rapid mobilization of the IAF reflects not only its operational readiness but also a growing focus on humanitarian and disaster relief missions beyond its conventional military responsibilities. With ongoing surveillance and coordinated backup missions in place, both the IAF and Indian Coast Guard are committed to closely monitoring the situation to avoid any further escalation.
