Why Did Taiwan Thank India for the Swift Rescue of a Cargo Vessel?
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Synopsis
In a heartfelt gesture, Taiwan has expressed gratitude towards India for its rapid response in rescuing crew members from the burning cargo vessel WAN HAI 503. This incident unfolded off the Kerala coast, with a total of 22 crew members onboard. The ongoing search for missing personnel adds a layer of urgency to the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Taiwan expressed gratitude to India for a swift rescue operation.
- 18 out of 22 crew members of WAN HAI 503 were rescued.
- The vessel suffered a fire 70 nautical miles off Kerala's coast.
- The incident highlights international maritime cooperation.
- Political tensions between Taiwan and China were addressed.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) Taiwan expressed its appreciation to India on Wednesday for the successful rescue of 18 crew members from the Singapore-registered cargo ship, WAN HAI 503, which suffered a fire incident approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala.
Of the 22 individuals on board, 18 crew members managed to escape by jumping into the ocean, while efforts are underway to locate the remaining four crew members connected to the ship's Fire and Safety Department.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India reported that the four missing crew members consist of two from Taiwan, one from Indonesia, and one from Myanmar.
"The Taiwan government extends its gratitude for the rapid rescue operation executed by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for the Wan Hai 503. We hope for the safe return of the missing crew members and a swift recovery for the injured," stated the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India via a post on X.
On June 9, the MV Wan Hai 503 faced an explosion and subsequent fire 44 nautical miles off the coast of Azhikkal, Kerala. Out of the total 22 crew members, 14 are Chinese, which includes 6 Taiwanese. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their timely and skilled rescue efforts. We also wish for successful further search operations and a quick recovery for the injured crew members," the spokesperson noted in a post on X.
Earlier on Tuesday, Yu Jing, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, thanked India for its prompt rescue efforts, mentioning that out of the 22 crew members, 14 are Chinese, including two from Taiwan.
Taiwan, however, countered the Chinese assertion as unfounded and outrageous, insisting that only its democratically elected government can represent its citizens, not the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
"The claim made by the Chinese Embassy is both false and absurd. We reaffirm that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, and the CCP regime has never governed Taiwan. Only Taiwan's elected government has the authority to represent its people," remarked the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India on Wednesday.
The 270-meter-long vessel, which has a draught of 12.5 meters, departed from Colombo on June 7 and was en route to Mumbai.
On Monday, the Indian Navy, in conjunction with the Indian Coast Guard, DG Shipping, and other stakeholders, expertly conducted a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, safely rescuing 18 out of 22 crew members.
According to the Indian Navy's spokesperson, the vessel reported an internal container explosion, leading to a significant fire onboard.
In a statement released on Monday, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) also expressed its gratitude to the Indian authorities for their rapid response in recovering the 18 crew members and for their ongoing support during the SAR operations.
Point of View
The swift response by India in rescuing the crew of WAN HAI 503 showcases the nation's commitment to maritime safety and international collaboration. This incident not only highlights the capabilities of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard but also reflects the complexities of diplomatic relations in the region, particularly between Taiwan and China.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the cargo vessel WAN HAI 503?
The WAN HAI 503 caught fire approximately 70 nautical miles off the Kerala coast, leading to a rescue operation for its crew.
How many crew members were rescued?
Out of 22 crew members on board, 18 were successfully rescued.
What countries were the crew members from?
The crew included members from Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
What did Taiwan say about the rescue?
Taiwan expressed gratitude towards India for the swift rescue operation conducted by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
What is the status of the missing crew members?
The whereabouts of four crew members, including two Taiwanese, one from Indonesia, and one from Myanmar, remain unknown.
