Liberian Cargo Vessel MSC ELSA 3 Sinks off Kochi Coast; All 24 Crew Rescued, Pollution Watch Intensifies

Kochi: In a dramatic maritime emergency off the coast of Kerala, Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 (IMO No. 9123221) sank approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi at around 7:50 am on Sunday. All 24 crew members on board were successfully rescued—21 by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and three by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.

The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, raising concerns of a potential environmental threat to the sensitive marine ecosystem along Kerala’s coastline.

Given the ecological sensitivity of the region, the Indian Coast Guard has activated full pollution response preparedness. ICG aircraft fitted with advanced oil spill detection systems are carrying out aerial surveillance, while ICG ship Saksham, equipped with specialized pollution response gear, is deployed at the site.

No oil spill has been reported so far, officials confirmed.

The emergency began on May 24, when the container ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a dangerous 26-degree starboard list, compromising its stability. A distress call was made as the vessel drifted in rough seas.

The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) at Kochi promptly launched a coordinated rescue operation. An ICG Dornier aircraft spotted two liferafts with survivors. ICG patrol vessels, along with nearby merchant ships MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2, were diverted to the area under international Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols.

By late evening on May 24, 21 of the 24 crew members—comprising nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines—were rescued. Three senior officers stayed aboard to oversee salvage efforts. However, the vessel’s condition deteriorated overnight, eventually capsizing and sinking early on May 25. The remaining three crew members abandoned ship and were safely rescued by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.

The cause of the starboard list remains unknown and is under investigation. Maritime authorities are also closely monitoring for signs of any hazardous cargo leakage or oil discharge that could pose a threat to marine biodiversity.