Ship Carrying Hazardous Cargo Sinks Off Kerala, Indian Coast Guard Rescues 24 Crew

The Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developed a severe list and flooding while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi.

The vessel sank off the Kochi coast in India at approximately 0750 hours on May 25, 2025.

According to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), all 24 crew members on board MSC ELSA 3 were rescued—21 by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and three by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.

The vessel carried 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil.

Due to the sensitive marine ecosystem near Kerala’s coast, the ICG has activated full pollution response. Aircraft with oil spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, and ICG Ship Saksham remains deployed at the site. No oil spill has been reported so far.

On May 24, MSC ELSA 3 developed a 26-degree starboard list about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi while en route from Vizhinjam. After losing stability, the vessel issued a distress call. ICG’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in Kochi launched a coordinated operation, deploying a Dornier aircraft that spotted two liferafts. ICG ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 assisted in the rescue.

By late evening, 21 crew members—including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines—had been rescued. Three senior crew stayed onboard to assist salvage efforts but abandoned ship when it capsized early May 25. They were rescued by INS Sujata.

The cause of the list is still under investigation.