A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the Kerala coast after capsizing early on May 25, raising environmental concerns due to the hazardous materials onboard. According to officials, the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. The ship also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) confirmed that all 24 crew members were safely rescued. INS Sujata played a key role in saving the last three crew members who had remained onboard during the final moments. The rest had already been evacuated. The crew included one Russian (the ship’s master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian.

The incident occurred at coordinates 09°18.76’N 076°08.12’E, approximately 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The ship, en route from Vizhinjam port to Kochi, began listing by 26 degrees around 1:25 PM on May 24. The company managing the vessel alerted Indian authorities and sought immediate assistance, leading to a coordinated response from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

Efforts are now focused on preventing any environmental damage, particularly an oil spill. The Coast Guard deployed the pollution response vessel ICGS Saksham to the site and has started aerial surveys using aircraft equipped with oil spill detection technology. As of now, no oil spill has been detected.

Given the ship’s hazardous cargo and large quantities of fuel onboard, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned the public to stay away from any cargo or oil residues that may reach the shore. They have urged people to report any such sightings to the police immediately.

The sunken ship poses a threat to Kerala’s sensitive coastal environment, known for its rich biodiversity and popularity among tourists. The Coast Guard is working closely with state agencies to monitor the situation and is fully prepared to respond to any pollution threat.

Authorities have also confirmed that a second vessel from the ship’s parent company is on-site to support containment and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships continue to maintain positions in the area to ensure swift action if the situation escalates.