Fri Jun 13 16:33:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article written from it:

**Summary:**

A Singapore-flagged container ship, Wan Hai 503, has been on fire since June 9th following an explosion off the coast of Kerala, India. While the fire is largely under control, the ship is drifting and poses a grounding risk to the coastline between Kochi and Alappuzha. Salvors were deployed via helicopter to establish a towline, and multiple tugboats are working to pull the ship into deeper waters. Emergency services are on high alert along the Kerala coast, preparing for potential grounding. The situation is sensitive due to fluctuating weather conditions and the possibility of the ship’s trajectory changing.

**News Article:**

**Burning Container Ship Threatens Kerala Coast; Salvage Efforts Intensify**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA – June 13, 2025** – A massive salvage operation is underway off the coast of Kerala as the Singapore-flagged container ship Wan Hai 503, ablaze since an explosion on June 9th, continues to drift dangerously close to shore. Indian Navy helicopters deployed salvors onto the vessel to establish a towline with the tug Offshore Warrior.

The Directorate General of Shipping reports the fire, while largely contained, continues to burn in the midship section, emitting hazardous chemical fumes. The drifting vessel, approximately 30 nautical miles from the coast, presents a significant risk of grounding, particularly with fluctuating wind conditions.

“The situation remains sensitive and volatile,” officials stated. “Any shift in wind, current, or sea state could quickly alter the vessel’s trajectory towards the shoreline.” The identified high-risk zone is concentrated between Kochi and Alappuzha.

Alongside Offshore Warrior, additional tugboats are en route to assist in towing the vessel into deeper waters, away from the Kerala coastline. Authorities have pre-positioned firefighting equipment, ambulances, and fire tenders along the coast, ensuring a rapid response in the event of a grounding. Hospitals are also on high alert.

Emergency responders estimate they would have approximately seven to eight hours of warning before potential grounding if the ship drifts within 10-15 kilometers of the coastline, allowing for deployment of emergency measures. The salvage operation is ongoing, with officials closely monitoring the situation and weather conditions.

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