After MV WAN HAI 503 Rescue, Indian Navy Shifts Focus to Sunken Vessel Off Alappuzha
Indian Navy intensifies maritime safety efforts after successful SAR operations near Kerala.
BNH NETWORK
HIGHLIGHTS
- INS Sutlej shifts role from SAR to hydrographic survey following back-to-back maritime incidents off Kerala coast.
- Liberian ship MSC ELSA 3’s wreck may pose hazards to shipping—Indian Navy steps in for site analysis.
- India strengthens maritime domain awareness through rapid naval deployment and survey ops.
- Operation builds on Navy’s recent success in assisting MV WAN HAI 503 rescue.
INDIAN NAVY’S INS SUTLEJ DEPLOYED FOR SURVEY MISSION OFF KERALA COAST
The Indian Navy's hydrographic survey vessel INS Sutlej has been deployed to carry out detailed underwater survey operations of the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, which tragically sank off the Alappuzha coast of Kerala on May 25, 2025. This follows INS Sutlej’s involvement in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for MV WAN HAI 503, which it joined on June 9.
With the Navy rapidly shifting gears from rescue to survey operations, the deployment highlights India's growing maritime operational readiness and its crucial role in safeguarding the busy shipping lanes of the Arabian Sea.
FOCUS SHIFTS FROM WAN HAI 503 TO MSC ELSA 3: NAVY IN ACTION
The Liberian cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3, which went down under mysterious circumstances, has raised concerns about navigational safety along the southwestern coast. With valuable data onboard and the potential for environmental hazards, INS Sutlej’s hydrographic capabilities are critical in providing underwater mapping and wreck analysis.
The Navy had earlier responded to MV WAN HAI 503, a container ship in distress, demonstrating quick operational mobilisation and coordination in high-stakes maritime emergencies.
STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT UNDERSCORES NAVY’S MULTI-ROLE CAPABILITY
INS Sutlej, known for its advanced hydrographic and sonar systems, will now assess the depth, position, and wreck condition of MSC ELSA 3. This survey is pivotal not only for chart updates but also to determine potential threats to marine traffic and ecological impact.
Such high-priority deployments reinforce India’s commitment to ensuring safe maritime routes, particularly along the Malabar Coast, a region that witnesses heavy international shipping activity.
