On 9 June 2025, the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire following an explosion in one of its containers, approximately 44 nautical miles off the Azhikkal coast of Kerala. The incident prompted a swift and coordinated rescue operation by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, resulting in the successful evacuation of 18 out of 22 crew members. The crew comprised 8 Chinese, 6 Taiwanese, 5 Myanmarese, and 3 Indonesian nationals.
This report documents 10 such maritime rescue operations conducted by the Indian Navy between 2020 and 2025, involving foreign commercial vessels and international crew members, highlighting India’s growing role as a regional first responder in the Indian Ocean.
#1 Indian Navy Rescues 18 from Burning Singapore Cargo Ship off Kerala Coast
On 9 June 2025, a massive fire broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, following a container explosion about 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal coast in Kerala’s Kannur district. The vessel, en route from Colombo to Mumbai, had 22 crew members, including 8 Chinese, 6 Taiwanese, 5 Myanmarese, and 3 Indonesians.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard swiftly responded, rescuing 18 crew members using INS Surat, two Dornier aircraft, and five Coast Guard vessels equipped with firefighting and pollution control systems. Four crew members—two Taiwanese, one Myanmarese, and one Indonesian—remain missing.
The fire, likely intensified by hazardous cargo, continues to burn, with containment efforts ongoing. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre activated an international safety net, prompting nearby merchant ships to assist. Singaporean authorities and India’s shipping regulator are monitoring the situation closely.
#2 Indian Navy, Coast Guard Rescue 24 as Liberian Ship Sinks off Kerala Coast
On 25 May 2025, the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 sank off the Kerala coast after developing a severe 26-degree starboard tilt. All 24 crew members—including 1 Russian, 20 Filipinos, 2 Ukrainians, and 1 Georgian—were successfully rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy. While the ICG saved 21 crew, INS Sujata rescued the remaining three.
The ship, carrying 640 containers, was loaded with hazardous materials, including diesel, furnace oil, and calcium carbide, raising fears of an ecological disaster. Several containers have washed ashore along the Kollam coast, prompting the Kerala government to declare a high alert for possible oil spills or chemical leakage. ICG aircraft with oil spill detection systems and ICG ship Saksham with pollution response equipment remain deployed as authorities monitor the situation.
#3 Indian Navy Treats Injured Pakistani Fisherman at Sea
On 4 April 2025, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand conducted a life-saving medical intervention for a Pakistani fisherman who sustained severe hand injuries while working on an Iranian fishing vessel, Al Omeedi, in the central Arabian Sea, about 350 nautical miles east of Oman.
After receiving a distress call, INS Trikand altered its course and located the injured man aboard another vessel, Abdul Rehman Hanzia, en route to Iran. The fisherman, a Baloch national, had suffered multiple fractures and heavy blood loss, risking gangrene.
A Navy medical team, accompanied by marine commandos, boarded the vessel and performed an emergency surgical procedure, including suturing and splinting, which lasted over three hours. Medical supplies and antibiotics were also provided to aid recovery until the fisherman could receive further treatment in Iran.
#4 Indian Navy Evacuates Burn Victims from Merchant Vessel off Goa
On 21 March 2025, the Indian Navy carried out a high-risk medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation from the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Heilan Star, located 230 nautical miles west of Goa. Four crew members had sustained severe burn injuries, including two Chinese and one Indonesian national. Tragically, a fourth crew member had already succumbed to injuries before help arrived.
Responding to a distress call from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, the Navy swiftly diverted INS Vikrant and INS Deepak to the site. At first light, a Sea King helicopter from INS Vikrant successfully winched up the injured crew and transported them to INS Hansa, Goa, from where they were taken to a civil hospital for advanced treatment.
#5 INS Tarkash Assists Iranian Dhow Off Somali Coast
On 10 March 2025, INS Tarkash of the Indian Navy successfully assisted an Iranian dhow in distress off the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean. The vessel had issued a distress call after facing a critical drinking water shortage and reporting injuries to a crew member due to severe weather.
Responding swiftly, INS Tarkash’s crew repaired the dhow’s faulty Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, restoring its freshwater supply. The Navy’s medical team provided first aid to the injured sailor, stabilizing his condition.
#6 Indian Navy Airlifts Critically Injured Chinese Mariner off Mumbai Coast
On 23 July 2024, the Indian Navy successfully rescued a critically injured 51-year-old Chinese mariner from the bulk carrier Zhong Shan Men, located 200 nautical miles off the Mumbai coast. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, received a distress call reporting the mariner’s severe injury and heavy blood loss. Responding swiftly, a Sea King helicopter was deployed from INS Shikra. Despite harsh weather, with winds over 45 knots and rough sea conditions, the Navy managed a challenging winch evacuation from the vessel’s bridge wing due to lack of a suitable landing area. The injured mariner was flown to Mumbai and immediately taken to a hospital. Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Samrat also assisted in the mission.
#IndianNavy successfully evacuates a Critically injured #Chinese Mariner from Bulk Carrier ZHONG SHAN MEN, 200nm (approx 370km) from #Mumbai.
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Mumbai received a distress call on PM #23Jul 24 from the bulk carrier reporting heavy blood loss… pic.twitter.com/FyhlgnEUUR— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 24, 2024
#7 Indian Navy Rescues 23 Pakistanis from Somali Pirates in Arabian Sea
On 29 March 2024, the Indian Navy rescued 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates who had hijacked the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra (Yemen). Following the daring operation, the grateful crew chanted “India Zindabad”, acknowledging the Navy’s swift action.
The operation began after reports of a piracy incident in the Arabian Sea. INS Sumedha, supported by INS Trishul, intercepted the hijacked vessel and conducted over 12 hours of coercive tactical measures, compelling the nine armed pirates to surrender. A naval specialist team boarded the vessel, ensured the crew’s safety, and restored control. All rescued crew members underwent medical checks before being allowed to continue fishing.
#8 Indian Navy Rescues 17 Hostages in First-Ever Airdrop Assault at Sea
In a landmark operation on 16 March 2024, the Indian Navy rescued 17 crew members from the hijacked Malta-flagged MV Ruen, located 1,400 nautical miles (2,600 km) off the Indian coast. The vessel had been under the control of 35 armed Somali pirates since December 2023.
Supported by INS Kolkata, INS Subhadra, P-8I patrol aircraft, HALE drones, and MARCOS commandos airdropped via C-17 aircraft, the Navy conducted a nearly 40-hour tactical operation. The pirates opened fire but were swiftly subdued under international law. All hostages were safely evacuated without injury. This marked the first-ever airdrop of special forces by India in a maritime rescue.
#9 Indian Navy Rescues Injured Sailor from Hijacked Vessel Near Somalia
On 19 December 2023, the Indian Navy rescued a critically injured sailor from the Malta-flagged MV Ruen, hijacked off the Somalia coast. The crew member, one of 18 sailors, suffered a bullet wound during pirate firing. The Navy’s INS Kochi evacuated the injured sailor after negotiations with the pirates.
Initially located by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, the vessel was intercepted by the Indian warship following a distress call. The wounded sailor received first aid onboard INS Kochi and was later transferred to Oman for specialized treatment.
The incident, marking a resurgence of piracy in the region, prompted joint efforts involving EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta. The Indian Navy has maintained continuous anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, ensuring maritime security and safeguarding international sea trade.
#10 Indian Navy Helps Contain Fire on Oil Tanker Near Sri Lanka
On 3 September 2020, a massive fire broke out aboard the oil tanker MT New Diamond off the Sri Lankan coast, following an explosion in its engine room. The vessel, carrying over 270,000 tonnes of Kuwaiti crude for Indian Oil Corporation, was en route to Paradip.
In a joint operation, eight ships from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Sri Lankan Navy, along with aircraft support, successfully contained the blaze and prevented a major oil spill. Twenty-two crew members were rescued, though one fatality was reported. The INS Sahyadri played a key role in firefighting and towing operations, while aerial reconnaissance assessed damage before boarding the vessel. The fire was fully extinguished by 8 September 2020, averting a potential maritime disaster.
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