Kozhikode: In a daring operation, a rescue team successfully landed on the fire-stricken cargo ship Van Hai 503, which continues to burn in the Arabian Sea near Azheekal, Kannur. The mission, coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard, aims to drag the vessel further offshore using tug support.

The State Disaster Management Authority reported that a tugboat named Water Lily has been deployed to haul the cargo vessel away from the Kerala coast. The rescue team, transported via a Coast Guard helicopter, bravely descended onto the ship, managing to fasten a towing cable to the ship's forward hook and link it to the tug.

Currently located about 95 kilometers from the shoreline, the ship remains at sea as firefighting and stabilizing efforts continue. According to updates from the Coast Guard, despite ongoing attempts, the fire aboard the vessel has not been fully extinguished after two days. The Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC) personnel were able to access the vessel’s interior only once the forward blaze was partially subdued.

Authorities noted that the ship is tilting at an angle of around 10 to 15 degrees, though it remains afloat and stable. Adverse weather conditions, including persistent rain, hampered aerial support, preventing Coast Guard aircraft from joining the mission between morning and afternoon.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure the fire is brought under control and the vessel is safely moved away from potential environmental and coastal hazards.