The Government of Taiwan has extended heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard for their rapid and professional rescue efforts after the container ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9. The Singapore-flagged vessel suffered an explosion onboard while en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, prompting an emergency evacuation.
In a message posted on 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.”
Of the 22 crew members aboard the ship, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four remain missing. The Indian Coast Guard has continued firefighting efforts and damage control operations. As of Tuesday evening, visible flames had reduced, though thick smoke was still emanating from the vessel.
The ship’s crew consisted of eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals. Following the explosion, the crew abandoned the ship. Several members sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.
The Chinese Embassy in India also acknowledged the efforts of Indian forces. Spokesperson Yu Jing noted that the vessel had 14 Chinese nationals onboard, including six from Taiwan. She expressed appreciation for the “prompt and professional rescue” and conveyed best wishes for the recovery of the injured and successful ongoing search efforts.
Indian Coast Guard ships remain deployed in the area as operations continue. The incident underscores India’s critical role in regional maritime safety and humanitarian response across international waters.
