Kochi, May 24: In a shocking incident, a container ship named MSC Elsa 3, sailing under the Liberian flag, tilted dangerously off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea on Saturday (May 24) afternoon. The ship was carrying marine fuel and was 38 nautical miles from the shore when it began to list (tilt) by 26 degrees.
The vessel had departed from Vizhinjam Port and was on its way to Kochi when the crew alerted Indian Coast Guard around 1:25 PM and asked for urgent help. The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy quickly responded and launched a rescue operation using ships and aircraft.
There were 24 crew members on board, including one Russian (the ship’s captain), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians and one person from Georgia. So far, 9 crew members have left the ship and are safe in liferafts. Rescue efforts are still ongoing for the remaining 15.
To support the evacuation, Coast Guard aircraft dropped additional liferafts near the ship. Some rescued crew members have already received medical help on board a Coast Guard vessel.
The ship was carrying dangerous marine fuels — Marine Gasoil (MGO) and Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Due to the severe tilt, some cargo including containers and oil has spilled into the sea.
Indian Coast Guard said, "@IndiaCoastGuard #MRCC, #Mumbai received a Distress Alert regarding Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developing 26° list approx 38 nautical miles southwest of #Kochi. Vessel departed #Vizhinjam Port on 23 May 25, bound for #Kochi with ETA 24 May 25. #ICG is actively coordinating rescue operations, with ships in vicinity and aircraft deployed overhead to monitor and assist. Out of 24 crew onboard, 21 have been rescued. To support evacuation, #ICG aircraft have deployed additional liferafts near the listing vessel. DG Shipping, in coordination with #ICG, has issued urgent directives to the ship’s managers to initiate salvage operations to stabilize the vessel and avert further risks. #ICG continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and to prevent any environmental damages."
Authorities have warned the public not to touch any containers or oil if they wash ashore. People are urged to inform the police immediately if they spot any washed-up cargo or oil on the beach. There is also a chance that oil slicks may appear along the coast in some areas.
The Indian Coast Guard and the Directorate General of Shipping are working together to manage the rescue and cleanup. They have also instructed the ship’s managers to arrange emergency salvage services.
