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Key Points

A Liberian container ship, MSC ELSA 3, tilted dangerously off Kochi, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. Nine crew members have been evacuated while efforts continue to save the remaining 15. The Indian Coast Guard deployed ships and aircraft, dropping liferafts for stranded sailors. Authorities are coordinating salvage operations to stabilize the vessel.

Key Points: Liberian Ship MSC ELSA 3 Tilts Off Kochi Coast as Rescue Ops Continue

  • Nine crew evacuated from tilting Liberian vessel
  • Indian Coast Guard deploys ships and aircraft
  • MSC ELSA 3 was en route to Kochi from Vizhinjam
  • DG Shipping arranges salvage ops to stabilize ship
1 min read

Rescue ops on as Liberian container ship tilts sharply off Kochi, 9 crew rescued

Nine crew rescued after Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3 tilts 26 degrees off Kochi, Indian Coast Guard evacuates remaining 15 amid salvage efforts.

"ICG aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the distressed container ship. – Indian Coast Guard"

Kochi, May 24

A large-scale rescue operation is underway after the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developed a severe 26-degree tilt approximately 38 nautical miles southwest (Nm SW) of Kochi on Saturday, prompting emergency response from Indian maritime authorities.

Nine of the 24 crew members have already evacuated, while the Indian Coast Guard is working to save the remaining 15.

The 184-metre-long ship had departed from Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and was expected to reach Kochi on May 24.

Around 1.25 pm on Saturday, the vessel's operator, MSC Ship Management, informed Indian authorities about the incident and sought immediate assistance.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support.

Out of the 24 crew members on board, nine have already abandoned the vessel and are currently safe in liferafts. Rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate the remaining 15 crew.

To support the evacuation process, ICG aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the distressed container ship.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with the Coast Guard, has directed the vessel's managers to arrange for urgent salvage services to stabilise the situation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Kudos to our Coast Guard for the swift response! 🇮🇳 These rescue operations in rough seas require immense skill and courage. Hope all crew members are brought to safety soon. This shows why we need to keep investing in our maritime security forces.
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Priya M.
Very concerning incident! 😟 The ship just left Vizhinjam yesterday - was there any technical issue overlooked during departure? Authorities should investigate thoroughly. But first priority is rescuing those 15 remaining crew members. Praying for their safety.
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Arjun S.
This is why India needs more deep-sea rescue capabilities. We're becoming a major shipping hub with Vizhinjam port, but such incidents show the risks involved. The Coast Guard is doing great work, but we need more specialized equipment for such emergencies.
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Sunita R.
My brother works in merchant navy and such news always gives me goosebumps. These sailors risk their lives daily for global trade. Hope the remaining crew is rescued soon. The liferaft airdrop was a smart move by ICG 👏
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Vikram J.
While we appreciate the rescue efforts, I'm concerned about potential environmental damage if the ship sinks. Kochi's coastline is ecologically sensitive. DG Shipping should ensure proper salvage operations to prevent oil spills or container losses.
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Neha P.
The 26-degree tilt sounds terrifying! 😱 Can't imagine what the crew must be going through. Hope the weather conditions are favorable for the ongoing rescue. Our maritime agencies have proven their capability time and again in such situations.

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