KOCHI, May 25, 2025 – The Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank off the coast of Kochi today after flooding caused the vessel to lose stability. The ship, carrying 640 containers including hazardous cargo and large quantities of fuel, went down around 7:50 a.m. All 24 crew members aboard were successfully rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy. ICG saved 21 crew, while the remaining three were rescued by the Navy’s INS Sujata.

The incident began on May 24 when MSC ELSA 3, traveling from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a severe starboard list about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The vessel became unstable and sent out a distress signal. The ICG’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in Kochi swiftly coordinated rescue efforts, deploying patrol ships, a Dornier aircraft for aerial search, and requesting assistance from nearby merchant vessels. Survivors were spotted on liferafts, and crews from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines were safely evacuated by evening. Despite efforts, the ship capsized early May 25, forcing the last three crew members to abandon ship before their rescue.

Given the ship’s hazardous cargo—13 containers with dangerous materials, calcium carbide, diesel, and furnace oil—ICG has activated pollution control measures to protect Kerala’s sensitive marine environment. ICG’s aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems continue aerial monitoring, while pollution response vessels remain on site. Authorities report no oil spills so far. Investigations into the cause of the flooding and the initial listing are ongoing.