The Government of Taiwan has expressed deep appreciation for the rapid and professional emergency response of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard following a serious incident involving the container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9. The Singapore-flagged vessel suffered an explosion while making its way from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, leading to an immediate evacuation of the crew.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the Taiwan representative office in India stated, “The Taiwan Government is grateful for the swift rescue operation provided by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to Wan Hai 503. We wish the missing crew members return safe and the injured recover soon.”
Among the 22 crew members on board, 18 were successfully rescued by the Indian Navy. However, four crew members remain unaccounted for. The Indian Coast Guard has been actively involved in extinguishing the fire and managing damage control efforts. As of Tuesday evening, although visible flames had diminished, thick smoke continued to billow from the stricken vessel.
The crew consisted of a diverse group, including eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals. Following the explosion, the crew was forced to abandon the ship, with several members sustaining injuries, all of whom are currently receiving medical attention.
The Chinese Embassy in India also acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the actions of the Indian forces. Spokesperson Yu Jing noted that the vessel included 14 Chinese nationals, with six of them being from Taiwan. She conveyed appreciation for the “prompt and professional rescue” efforts and extended best wishes for the recovery of injured individuals and ongoing search operations.
As rescue and firefighting operations continue, Indian Coast Guard vessels remain stationed in the area. This incident highlights India’s pivotal role in maintaining maritime safety and providing humanitarian assistance in international waters, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and cooperation.
