Delhi, 14 June (H.S.): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), alongside the Indian Navy and Air Force, on Friday successfully transferred the MV Wan Hai 503 to the tug Offshore Warrior after it drifted towards the Kerala coast due to worsening weather. The ICG had been managing the vessel's location for several days, but adverse weather complicated the efforts. A Navy Sea King helicopter successfully transported salvage team members to the vessel, allowing them to secure a 600-metre tow rope about 20 nautical miles off Kochi. The vessel is now being towed westward at 1.8 knots, approximately 35 nautical miles offshore, with three ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels escorting it and maintaining firefighting operations. Currently, only minimal smoke and isolated hotspots remain, reflecting the ICG’s successful firefighting efforts that prevented a major environmental disaster. The ICG is coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping to keep the vessel at least 50 nautical miles from the shoreline until further decisions are made.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar