A Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi, India, on May 25, 2025, raising fears of an environmental disaster due to its hazardous cargo. All 24 crew members were rescued, but authorities are on high alert for potential oil spills and chemical leaks.
The MSC ELSA 3 sank approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
The vessel carried 640 containers, including 13 hazardous materials.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy safely rescued all crew members.
Authorities monitor oil spills and advise the public to avoid the coast.
Incident Overview
The MSC ELSA 3 began to list severely en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, ultimately capsizing after developing a 26-degree tilt. The Indian Coast Guard received a distress signal and promptly initiated rescue operations. Initially, 21 crew members were evacuated, while three remained on board to assist with salvage efforts. However, the ship capsized shortly after, leading to the rescue of the remaining crew by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.
Cargo Details
At the time of the incident, the MSC ELSA 3 was carrying:
640 containers in total
13 containers with hazardous materials, including:
Calcium carbide (12 containers)
Fuel onboard:
84.44 metric tonnes of diesel
367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil
Environmental Concerns
The sinking of the MSC ELSA 3 has prompted immediate action from the Indian Coast Guard and local authorities to mitigate potential environmental impacts. Although no oil spill has been confirmed yet, hazardous materials pose a significant risk to marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Authorities have activated pollution response protocols, deploying surveillance aircraft with oil spill detection technology. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned residents along the coast to avoid any debris or containers that may wash ashore, as they could be hazardous.
Response Efforts
Rescue Operations: All crew members were successfully rescued, with the Coast Guard and Navy coordinating efforts.
Pollution Control: The Coast Guard uses ships to contain potential oil slicks and has deployed aircraft for aerial assessments.
Public Safety: Residents are advised to stay at least 200 meters away from the coastline and report any suspicious objects or containers.
Conclusion
The sinking of the MSC ELSA 3 highlights the ongoing risks associated with maritime transport, particularly concerning hazardous materials. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on preventing environmental damage and ensuring the safety of coastal communities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in shipping operations to protect both human life and the environment.
Sources
Kochi ship sank: List of 13 hazardous material it was carrying, Ground Report.
India rushes to contain oil spill as vessel sinks off Kerala coast, Reuters.
MSC container ship carrying hazardous cargo sinks off Kochi ‣ WorldCargo News, WorldCargo News.
Container ship sinks off India’s south coast with hazardous cargo | National, Caledonian Record.
