A Liberian-flagged vessel sank off Kochi on the morning of May 25, sparking fears of a possible oil spill. The container ship MSC ELSA 3, which was reportedly carrying a total of 640 containers, sank off Kochi after developing a 26° list approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.

As it is reported by the Indian Coast Guard, all 24 crew members were rescued safely, 21 by the Indian Coast Guard and three by the Indian navy.

The vessel had departed Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was en route to Kochi, with an expected arrival on May 24.

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy carried out a swift and coordinated operation that ensured the safe rescue of all 24 crew members onboard, averting any immediate human casualties.

In response to the sinking, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) activated its pollution response preparedness and is coordinating with state administration to address all possible scenarios. ICG is actively coordinating rescue operations, with ships in vicinity and aircraft deployed overhead to monitor and assist.

^{Photo credit: Indian Coast Guard}

At the time of writing this article, no oil spill has been reported. ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology have been deployed to conduct aerial assessment of the area.

“DG Shipping, in coordination with ICG, has issued urgent directives to the ship’s managers to initiate salvage operations to stabilize the vessel and avert further risks,” read a Coast Guard statement.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation to safeguard maritime safety and to prevent any environmental damages.

^{Video credit: Indian Coast Guard}