Taiwan thanks Indian Navy, Coast Guard for swift rescue of Wan Hai 503 crew
New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): The Taiwan Government has expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard for their swift rescue operation involving the merchant vessel Wan Hai 503.
In a post on X, Taiwan in India stated, 'The Taiwan Government is grateful for the swift rescue operation provided by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to Wan Hai 503. We wish the missing crew members return safe and the injured recover soon.'
The appreciation comes as the Indian Coast Guard is continuously working to combat the fire that engulfed the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503.
It said attempts were being made to control the vessel fire that injured several crew members. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four are still missing.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the flames on the container ship were reduced, as thick smoke continued to emanate.
'Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV WAN HAI 503 under control off the Kerala coast. Visible flames have reduced, and thick smoke continues to emanate as of 1700 hours today,' the Indian Coast Guard said.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue of its crew members onboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Kerala's Azhikkal.
According to Yu Jing, Chinese and Taiwanese crew members were among those onboard MV Wan Hai. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson wished for successful search operations and speedy recovery for injured crew members.
'On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy @indiannavy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members a speedy recovery,' Yu Jing posted on X.
Four crew members were reported missing and five injured after an explosion under deck was reported onboard MV WAN HAI 503 while it was on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. Indian Coast Guard ships have been deployed for firefighting and rescue operations.
The vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had 22 crew members, including eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals. Following the explosion and escalation of the fire, the crew abandoned the ship. (ANI)
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Mint
29 minutes ago
- Mint
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Live Updates: Amit Shah meets injured in hospital; Air India's caregivers arrive in city
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The government should immediately help the families of those who have passed away, and also the people of the area where the plane crashed... Congress leaders will also help people manage this incident. This accident should be investigated..." 12 Jun 2025, 05:10 PM IST Ahmedabad Airport is now available for flight operations from 16:05 pm onwards, tweets MoCA, adding flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care. 12 Jun 2025, 05:04 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, Congress Parliamentary Party expresses sorrow over AI plane crash. In a statement, she said, 'I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of the passengers and the crew. The visuals are most heart-wrenching. The entire country is overtaken by grief and is praying.' 12 Jun 2025, 05:03 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expresses sorrow over AI plane crash and wrote, 'The unfortunate incident in Ahmedabad has left us confronting a devastating human tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united in solidarity with them." 12 Jun 2025, 05:01 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission expresses sorrow over AI plane crash. She took to X and wrote, 'Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi , Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.' 12 Jun 2025, 04:49 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: MoS Defence Sanjay Seth sexpressed sorrow over AI plane crash nd said, as quoted by ANI, "It is a harrowing incident... We pray to God that the injured recover quickly and return home safely. The whole country stands with the victim's family..." 12 Jun 2025, 04:44 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reaches Ahmedabad's Asarwa Civil Hospital, where the plane crash injured have been brought 12 Jun 2025, 04:42 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Congress MP and LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expresses sorrow over AI plane crash. He took to X and wrote, " says, "The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical - every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground." 12 Jun 2025, 04:38 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Ahmedabad City Police has issued emergency number for police emergency services. It took to X and wrote, 'Ahmedabad City Police emergency number for police emergency services and information regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash. 07925620359.' 12 Jun 2025, 04:36 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: MoS MoCA Murlidhar Mohol while speaking to media said, as quoted by PTI, "Air India's flight AI171 crashed this afternoon with a total of 242 people on board. Rescue operations are currently underway. We have held an emergency meeting. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are on their way to Ahmedabad. I am also heading to the crash site. 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A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara, said NDRF. 12 Jun 2025, 04:15 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: PM Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over AI plane crash and wrote on X, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected." 12 Jun 2025, 04:12 PM IST After the tragic AI plane crash, the Gujarat government has issued helpline numbers. The CMO Gujarat took to X and wrote, 'The State Govt of Gujarat has set up a control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre in connection with the Ahmedabad plane crash. The concerned can contact the control room on Phone No.079-232-51900 and Mobile No.9978405304.' 12 Jun 2025, 04:08 PM IST HM Amit Shah expresses sorrow over AI plane crash and wrote on X, 'Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.' As per details he has rushed to Ahmedabad. 12 Jun 2025, 04:04 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: UK PM Keir Starmer expressed sorrow over AI plane crash and wrote on X, "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating." "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he added. 12 Jun 2025, 03:58 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Amid the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details. MoCA asked people to contact at 011-24610843 | 9650391859 It said, 'We are committed to swift response and full support to all affected.' 12 Jun 2025, 03:45 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed his sorrow over Ahmedabad plane crash and wrote on X, "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information." 12 Jun 2025, 03:40 PM IST Ahmedabad Plane Crash News LIVE: Following the London-bound Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad, the United Kingdom government released helpline numbers. It said, as quoted by ANI, "We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000."
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Air India plane crash caught on camera: 30 seconds after take-off flight bursts into flames
What began as a routine take-off for Air India flight AI-171 turned into a tragedy, with the horrifying moment captured on an airport CCTV camera in Ahmedabad. At 1:39 pm on Thursday, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, carrying 242 people — including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. The footage shows the aircraft lifting off smoothly. However, within seconds, something went terribly wrong. The Dreamliner failed to gain proper altitude. Instead of climbing steadily, it skimmed forward at a dangerously low height. For a brief moment, it appeared to maintain a level flight path above the city. Then, it began to descend. Within 30 seconds, the plane crashed into the doctors' hostel of a medical college in Meghaninagar, just beyond the airport boundary. The impact was catastrophic. Flames erupted, and thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Glass and concrete debris rained down. A place meant for healing was reduced to rubble and chaos. Emergency teams rushed to the site and began combing through the debris. In a miraculous find, one survivor was pulled from the wreckage — seated in 11A, injured and bloodied, but alive. He was immediately taken to hospital for treatment. Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the survivor to ANI and warned that the full extent of the casualties was still being assessed. 'We cannot say anything definitive yet. The aircraft crashed in a residential area. The numbers could rise,' he said. The crash also resulted in deaths on the ground — five people in the hostel were killed instantly. According to Air Traffic Control, the pilots issued a Mayday call moments after take-off. After that, all communication ceased. The aircraft crashed just beyond the airport's perimeter, ending in a fiery wreck. Air India identified the pilots as Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours of flying experience. The airline issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. It also announced a dedicated helpline for families of those onboard: 1800 5691 444. 'Air India pledges full cooperation with investigators,' the statement added.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
What caused Air India plane crash? Clues point to power failure, not blast
Air India flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick airport with 242 people on board, crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Meghani Nagar, near Ahmedabad airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1.55 pm before crashing shortly after. The aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with 8,200 hours of experience and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of experience, had barely left the ground before it encountered critical issues. Media reports indicate the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner may have gone down due to possible engine failure, loss of control, or instrumentation issues. Analysis of the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and ACARS transmissions will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the incident. Loss of power likely, say ex-pilot 'The visuals show that the aircraft went down while flying. Which means there was no mid-air explosion... The visuals show that the aircraft faced a loss of power... The loss of power can be due to engine malfunction, but it is very unlikely that both engines would lose power simultaneously... It is a very big engine, and it is rare that both engines lose power due to a bird hit in a one-minute duration,' said former pilot Ehsan Khalid, speaking to news agency ANI. 'Since the landing gear was down, it is possible that a loss of engine was detected beforehand. There are many variables, and any speculation would be unjust,' Khalid said. #WATCH | Air India Plane Crash | Noida, UP: Former Pilot Ehsan Khalid says, "... The Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder and the ACARS data will tell exactly what may have happened. The visuals show that the aircraft went down while flying. Which means there was no… — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025 Pilot issued distress call before silence According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a 'Mayday' distress call – an aviation emergency signal – moments before contact was lost with Air Traffic Control (ATC). 'It gave a MAYDAY call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC,' DGCA mentioned. 'The pilot initially appeared to be sending a message seeking help after detecting a problem. Shortly after, he issued a 'mayday' distress call,' said Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, speaking to journalists. Investigations are underway, he said. Boeing 787 safety concerns resurface Despite its cutting-edge design and popularity around the world, Boeing's Dreamliner has faced multiple safety concerns. In March 2024, Chile's LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 plunged mid-air, injuring 50 passengers due to a cockpit seat fault. Pilots have previously reported issues such as engine icing, fuel leaks, and electrical faults. In 2013, two lithium-ion battery fires — one on a parked aircraft in Boston and another mid-flight in Japan — led to a global grounding of the fleet. The FAA halted operations until Boeing redesigned the battery systems to ensure safety.
