NewKerala.com

Key Points

A dramatic maritime rescue unfolded off the Kochi coast when the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 began sinking due to severe flooding. The Indian Coast Guard swiftly mobilized aircraft and ships to save all 24 crew members from the multinational team. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, raising potential environmental concerns. Despite the challenging maritime conditions, the rescue operation was successfully completed without reported oil spills or major ecological damage.

Key Points: Coast Guard Rescues 24 from Sinking MSC ELSA 3 Near Kochi

  • Multinational crew of 24 rescued from vessel with 640 containers
  • 13 containers held hazardous cargo including calcium carbide
  • Coast Guard deployed pollution response ship Saksham for environmental monitoring
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard on high alert after Liberian-flagged vessel sinks off Kochi coast

Indian Coast Guard launches major maritime rescue operation after Liberian container vessel sinks off Kerala coast with hazardous cargo onboard

Indian Coast Guard on high alert after Liberian-flagged vessel sinks off Kochi coast
"Immediate dispatch of Dornier aircraft was critical in locating survivors - Coast Guard Official"

New Delhi, May 25

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is on high alert for pollution response efforts following the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO No. 9123221) on Sunday off the coast of Kochi.

The 184-metre-long vessel sank at around 0750 hours due to flooding.

All 24 crew members were rescued - 21 by the ICG and three by the Indian Navy ship INS Sujata.

The crew included one Russian (Master), two Ukrainians, a Georgian and 20 Philippine nationals.

At around 1325 hours on May 24, distress information was received regarding MSC ELSA 3, located about 38 nautical miles from Kochi. The vessel had developed a 26-degree list to starboard and was at risk of capsizing.

The shipping company failed to establish communication with the crew and requested ICG assistance for the safety of those onboard.

The ICG's Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in Kochi immediately dispatched a Dornier aircraft to conduct aerial surveillance and locate the vessel.

The aircraft identified two liferafts with five and four survivors, respectively.

Additional liferafts were air-dropped to aid rescue efforts.

Twelve more crew members were later rescued by the ICG ship Arnvesh, and nine more were saved by MV Han Yi.

INS Sujata also joined the operation.

The vessel, which departed Vizhinjam port on Friday for Kochi, experienced a listing en route. By 2200 hrs on May 24, only three crew members - Captain, Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer - remained onboard to coordinate salvage operations.

However, the vessel capsized and sank early on May 25.

Of the 640 containers onboard, 13 contained hazardous cargo and 12 held calcium carbide.

The vessel was carrying 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil.

The ICG has deployed its pollution response ship 'Saksham' and is using aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology.

No oil spill has been reported so far.

The ICG continues to monitor the environmental impact closely, given Kerala's ecologically sensitive and tourist-rich coastline.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajeev K.
Proud of our Coast Guard's swift action! 👏 Rescuing all 24 crew members in such challenging conditions shows our maritime capabilities. Hope the pollution control measures work effectively - Kerala's beaches and marine life must be protected at all costs.
P
Priya M.
Why was a vessel with such dangerous cargo (13 hazardous containers!) allowed near our coast? Authorities need stricter checks at Vizhinjam port. Thank God no oil spill yet, but the furnace oil quantity is worrying. Our fishermen's livelihoods depend on clean seas.
A
Arjun S.
Salute to ICG and Navy personnel who risked their lives in this operation. The Dornier aircraft crew especially did remarkable work spotting survivors. Hope the shipping company is held accountable for whatever caused this accident - their communication failure is unacceptable.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Kochi, this is really concerning. Our backwaters and marine ecosystem are already fragile. Authorities must conduct regular aerial surveys to monitor for any delayed oil spill effects. Tourists will avoid our beaches if there's even a hint of pollution.
V
Vikram J.
The international crew composition shows how global shipping is. Glad India could help citizens from Russia, Ukraine, Philippines etc. in distress. This incident proves why we need more ICG ships like 'Saksham' - our coastline protection can't be compromised.
N
Neha P.
While the rescue was excellent, why did it take hours between the distress call and full rescue? With 640 containers sinking, this could become an underwater hazard for years. Need better coordination between ports, shipping companies and ICG to prevent such incidents.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50