A Liberian-flagged containership, MSC ELSA 3, has sunk off the coast of Kochi, India, after developing a severe list approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of the port.
The vessel, which departed Vizhinjam Port on May 23, initially reported a 26-degree list while en route to Kochi, triggering an emergency response.
The Indian Coast Guard promptly launched a rescue operation, successfully evacuating 21 of the 24 crew members. The vessel’s captain, chief engineer, and second engineer chose to remain on board to assist with salvage efforts.
However, in the early hours of May 25, the situation deteriorated rapidly as flooding occurred in one of the ship’s cargo holds, causing the vessel to capsize. The remaining three crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.
“All 24 crew members of the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 rescued safely — 21 by Indian Coast Guard and 3 by Indian Navy Ship Sujata,” confirmed the Indian Coast Guard in an official statement.
At the time of the incident, MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous materials and 12 loaded with calcium carbide. The ship also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of residual fuel oil in its tanks, raising concerns about potential environmental risks.
In response, environmental monitoring operations have been activated. Indian Coast Guard aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping sensors are conducting aerial surveillance of the area. As of the latest update, no oil spill has been detected.
The Indian Coast Guard is continuing its close coordination with local authorities and environmental agencies to manage any potential fallout from the incident and ensure maritime safety in the region remains uncompromised.
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