Indian Coast Guard, MRCC, Mumbai received a Distress Alert from Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 as they developed approx 26° list 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. Vessel departed Vizhinjam Port on 23 May 25 was bound for Kochi with ETA 24 May 25.
ICG is actively coordinating rescue operations, with ships in vicinity and aircraft deployed overhead to monitor and assist. Out of 24 crew onboard, 21 have been rescued. To support evacuation, ICG aircraft have deployed additional liferafts near the listing vessel.
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. ICG continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and to prevent any environmental damages.
Vessel was reportedly carrying hazardous materials. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued a public advisory for coastal areas from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, urging the public to avoid drifting containers or oil slicks. Emergency response and coastal surveillance were initiated. As per reports containers have gone overboard and said be carrying packed FO and GO.
Vessel is 2007 built and as per trading pattern was plying on Indian Coast.