Kochi: In a dramatic rescue operation showcasing India’s maritime prowess, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy successfully saved all 24 crew members of the Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the Kochi coast at 0750 hours today, due to flooding. The vessel, carrying 640 containers—including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil—capsized 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, prompting immediate action to avert an environmental disaster in Kerala’s sensitive marine ecosystem.
The crisis unfolded on May 24, 2025, when MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, reported a severe 26-degree starboard list, signalling a loss of stability. The ICG’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi swiftly launched a coordinated response, deploying a Dornier aircraft for aerial surveillance, which located two liferafts carrying survivors. ICG patrol ships, alongside merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2, were diverted to assist, adhering to global Search and Rescue protocols. By late evening, 21 crew members, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, were safely rescued by ICG teams.
Three senior crew members remained onboard to coordinate salvage efforts but were forced to abandon ship as the vessel’s condition worsened overnight, leading to its capsizing on May 25. The Indian Navy’s INS Sujata promptly rescued the remaining crew, ensuring no loss of life. The cause of the vessel’s list and subsequent sinking remains under investigation, with preliminary reports pointing to flooding as the primary factor.
Given the ecological sensitivity of Kerala’s coastline, the ICG has prioritised pollution response preparedness to mitigate risks from the vessel’s hazardous cargo, including calcium carbide, diesel, and furnace oil. ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems are conducting ongoing aerial surveillance, while the ICG ship Saksham, loaded with pollution response equipment, remains stationed at the site. As of now, no oil spills have been reported, but the ICG remains vigilant to protect the marine environment.
The operation highlights the seamless coordination between the ICG and Indian Navy, underscoring India’s robust maritime rescue capabilities. The successful rescue and proactive environmental measures reflect the nation’s commitment to safeguarding both human lives and its coastal ecosystems. Authorities are now focusing on assessing the sunken vessel’s impact and planning salvage operations to address the potential environmental risks posed by its cargo.
This incident follows a series of maritime challenges in the region, with the ICG and Navy reinforcing their readiness to respond to emergencies. The swift action taken in this case has been lauded as a testament to India’s growing expertise in handling complex maritime crises, ensuring safety and environmental protection in one of the country’s most ecologically vital coastal regions.
– global bihari bureau
