Indian Coast Guard : Kochi/New Delhi, 25 May 2025 — The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is on high alert following the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO No. 9123221) off the coast of Kochi early this morning. All 24 crew members onboard were rescued in a swift and coordinated operation involving the ICG, Indian Navy, and merchant vessels.
The incident began around 1325 hours on 24 May when the ICG received a distress alert from MSC ELSA 3, located approximately 38 nautical miles from Kochi. The vessel, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, had developed a 26-degree list to its starboard side, putting it at imminent risk of capsizing. The shipping company had lost communication with the crew and requested immediate assistance from the ICG.
Acting promptly, the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) under ICG District Headquarters in Kochi deployed a Dornier aircraft for aerial surveillance. The aircraft located the vessel and spotted two liferafts in the water with nine survivors. Containers were also seen floating nearby.
ICG patrol ships were diverted to the area, and two merchant vessels—MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2—were called in to assist under global Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols. Liferafts were air-dropped by the Dornier to aid in the evacuation. ICG ship Arnvesh rescued 12 more crew members, while MV Han Yi picked up nine. The Indian Navy’s INS Sujata joined the operation and rescued the final three crew members, including the vessel’s Captain, Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer, who had stayed onboard to assist with salvage operations.
The 184-meter-long MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide. The vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.
At around 0750 hours on 25 May, the vessel listed rapidly and sank at coordinates 09°18.76’N and 076°08.12’E. Fortunately, the last three crew members managed to abandon ship and were safely rescued by INS Sujata.
The ICG has deployed pollution response ship ICGS Saksham and mobilized aerial surveillance equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology. Although no oil spill has been reported yet, preparations are in place to address any environmental hazards, particularly given the ecological sensitivity of the Kerala coastline.
The Indian Coast Guard is coordinating with the state administration and remains fully prepared to respond to any pollution threats arising from the incident.
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