Kochi saw a dangerous sea incident on Saturday afternoon when the Liberian container ship MSC Elsa 3, which was carrying marine fuel, tilted severely close to the Kerala coast. The unexpected tilt led to a serious spilling of cargo fuel into the sea, which prompted an instant emergency response from Indian maritime authorities.
Rapid Evacuation and Rescue Operations Underway
MSC Elsa 3, the 184-meter-long ship, departed Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and aimed to reach Kochi on May 24. Thankfully, rescuers have saved 21 of the 24 crew members so far. The crew comprises one Russian Master, 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian, reports the news agency PTI. The Indian Coast Guard is still carrying out the rescue operation for the three remaining crew members, while the Indian Navy lends its aid by sending the INS Sujata to join in the efforts.
@IndiaCoastGuard #MRCC, #Mumbai responded to a distress alert from the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3, which developed a 26° list approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of #Kochi.
The vessel had departed #Vizhinjam Port on 23 May 25 and was en route to #Kochi, with… pic.twitter.com/m4OhGxAkk6— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) May 24, 2025
The Coast Guard has delivered life rafts to enable evacuation from the ship, which suffered a critical 26-degree list around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has instructed the vessel’s managers, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, to arrange urgent salvage operations to stabilize the vessel and contain the spill, reported ANI. These efforts are critical to preventing further environmental damage and ensuring crew safety.
Public Safety Alert Issued
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the public against getting close to or touching the oil that has been spilled or any containers that are likely to come ashore. “There is a possibility the cargo, including containers and oil, will come ashore.”
The public, if they notice such cargo, should not approach it or touch it and report it to the police immediately,” said Sekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of KSDMA, in a voice note released to journalists.
Caution by the authorities is crucial to avert damaging residents from harm and prevent contamination risk from leaked marine fuel and hazardous cargo. Reporting any washed-up containers or oil spills immediately to the local police will assist in prompt containment and cleanup efforts.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The incident shows that marine fuel transportation near coastal areas still involves risks. As rescue and salvage teams continue their efforts, authorities must also work to minimize ecological harm to the marine ecosystem.
Watchfulness and timely response from maritime authorities and local governments are still essential for containing such maritime incidents efficiently.
