Categories: Regional News

Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks Near Kerala, Crew Rescued

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On May 24, 2025, the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 began tilting dangerously approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. The vessel, carrying 640 containers—including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide—capsized rapidly in the early hours of May 25 due to flooding in one of its holds.

Crew Rescue Operations:
All 24 crew members aboard MSC ELSA 3 were successfully rescued. The Indian Coast Guard evacuated 21 crew members on May 24, while the remaining three—who had initially stayed onboard to assist with salvage operations—were rescued by the Indian Navy ship INS Sujata on May 25.

Environmental Concerns:
The sunken vessel poses significant environmental risks:

  • Hazardous Cargo: Among the 640 containers, 13 contained hazardous materials, and 12 carried calcium carbide, which can react with water to produce flammable gases.

  • Fuel Onboard: The ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.

  • Potential Oil Spill: The Indian Coast Guard has activated pollution response measures and is closely monitoring the situation. As of now, no oil spill has been reported.

Public Advisory:
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings to coastal communities:

  • Avoid Contact: Residents are advised to stay away from any unidentified objects or containers that may wash ashore.
  • Report Sightings: Any sightings of such objects should be reported to local authorities immediately.

Ongoing Monitoring:
The Indian Coast Guard, along with other relevant agencies, continues to monitor the situation to mitigate any environmental impact. Advanced oil spill mapping technology is being utilized to assess the area, and efforts are underway to prevent any potential ecological damage.


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