Indian Navy Executes Daring Aerial Insertion to Support Salvage of MV WAN HAI 503
In a remarkable display of courage and operational excellence, the Indian Navy has executed a daring aerial insertion of a salvage team onto the fire-stricken container vessel MV WAN HAI 503 on 13 June 2025. The operation comes as part of the ongoing salvage and rescue efforts following a massive blaze onboard the merchant ship.
Responding swiftly to the emergency, a salvage team was embarked aboard a Seaking helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi, and flown directly to the distressed vessel. Braving adverse weather, high sea states, and onboard fire, the naval crew successfully winched down the team onto the burning ship.
Once onboard, the team efficiently established a towing connection with the salvage tug Offshore Warrior, paving the way for the vessel’s relocation. Following the completion of the task, the salvage team was safely extracted by the same naval helicopter.
The towing operation of MV WAN HAI 503 has now commenced, marking a critical step in controlling the situation and preventing further maritime hazards.
Currently, the Indian Navy’s INS Sharda and Offshore Support Vessel MV Triton Liberty are actively engaged in the salvage operation, working in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and other maritime agencies.
This swift and skillful insertion and extraction by the Indian Navy has significantly strengthened the overall rescue efforts, highlighting the Navy’s readiness, professionalism, and commitment to maritime safety.
