The Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which began tilting 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi on Saturday, has now completely capsized, raising serious concerns about a potential oil spill and environmental hazard. All 24 crew members aboard have been rescued safely, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The 184-metre-long vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, according to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ship also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil onboard.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched a joint rescue operation after the vessel reported a 26-degree list on Friday afternoon. Twenty-one crew members were rescued on Saturday, with the remaining three picked up by Navy ship INS Sujata early Sunday.
According to the ICG, the vessel capsized rapidly due to flooding in one of its cargo holds. “We have activated comprehensive pollution response measures and are coordinating closely with state authorities,” the Coast Guard posted on X.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned that spilled oil could reach the Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagappally coastlines within 36–48 hours. These regions are now on high alert for potential contamination.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the public against touching any floating containers or oil patches that may wash ashore and urged immediate reporting of such findings to the police.
A defence spokesperson in Kochi said another vessel from the ship’s parent company has reached the site to aid in response efforts. Meanwhile, Coast Guard and Navy ships continue to monitor the area for pollution and salvage risks.
The rescued crew includes nationals from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Georgia. The vessel had departed from Vizhinjam port for Kochi on Friday before issuing a distress signal.