Table of Contents
Container Ship MV MSC ELSA 3 Sinks Off Alappuzha Coast
Alappuzha, May 26, 2025 — A significant maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Kerala after a Liberia-flagged container vessel, MV MSC ELSA 3, sank approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha on the morning of May 25. The sinking has triggered an environmental alert, with Indian Coast Guard (ICG) teams swiftly launching oil spill response and pollution mitigation efforts.
Oil Slick Detected Within Hours, Coast Guard Launches Rapid Response
The vessel reportedly went down around 0750 hrs, and within hours, aerial surveillance by the ICG detected an oil s
lick at the site. ICG Ship Saksham, already configured for Pollution Response (PR), was immediately deployed to the scene, alongside a Dornier aircraft conducting aerial assessments and dispersing oil spill dispersants (OSD) over a wide area.
By late morning, the slick had begun drifting east-southeast at approximately 1.5–2 knots, propelled by strong winds and choppy seas—conditions described as sea states 4–5. Despite the hazardous environment, Coast Guard teams continued operations, also managing the risk posed by more than 100 floating containers in the area. Some of these have reportedly broken open, scattering cargo and creating navigation hazards.
Maritime advisories have been issued, urging ships in the vicinity to remain alert and avoid the affected zone. As of 1400 hrs, the oil spill had spread over a 2×1 nautical mile area, prompting intensified aerial surveillance and OSD deployment. Two ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels remain stationed at the site to support the ongoing response.
Challenging Weather Slows Pollution Control Operations
In a coordinated effort led by the Directorate General of Shipping, key stakeholders convened a high-level meeting on May 25. Participants included ICG officials, ship managers MSC, Kerala state authorities, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and environmental agencies. The ship’s managers have appointed T&T Salvage to handle cleanup operations, including oil extraction from the wreck and retrieval of containers.
Authorities are preparing for potential shoreline impact. The ICG has advised the Kerala administration to ready coastal cleanup teams and caution local residents against handling any debris or cargo that may wash ashore.
The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in Kochi has issued a pollution liability warning to the vessel’s owners under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
“The Indian Coast Guard remains fully committed to safeguarding the marine environment, ensuring navigational safety, and responding swiftly to maritime emergencies in coordination with all stakeholders,” said an official statement from the ICG.
