Body of missing crew member from Wan Hai 503 washes ashore in Alappuzha

ALAPPUZHA: A partially decomposed male body, believed to be one of the four missing crew members of the ill-fated container ship Wan Hai 503, was discovered early Tuesday morning near the Ayiramthai fish landing centre under Arthunkal police jurisdiction.

Officials stated that the deceased appears to be around 50 years old, fair-skinned, and heavily built—possibly a foreign national. The body, clad only in dark green undergarments marked with the brand “ESSA”, was spotted around 6:15am.

Efforts are underway to confirm the identity, and the body has been moved to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital mortuary for further examination.

The Wan Hai 503, sailing under the Singapore flag with 22 crew members, suffered a devastating explosion and fire on June 9 off the Kerala coast. While 18 crew members were rescued, four had gone missing.

Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the deceased to contact the Arthunkal police station via the following numbers:
📞 0478-2572233
📞 9497910011
📞 9497980267