24 Rescued as Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks Off Kochi Coast; Fears of Oil Spill Trigger Pollution Control Measures

Indian Coast Guard and Navy rescue 24 crew members after Liberian Cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 sinks off Kochi. Anti-pollution ops underway amid fears of hazardous oil spill.

Kochi, India – May 25, 2025: In a major maritime emergency off the coast of Kochi, 24 crew members of a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3, were rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy after the ship tragically sank on Sunday. The vessel was transporting hazardous cargo and large quantities of oil, raising serious environmental concerns in the region.

The incident occurred after the vessel departed Vizhinjam Port on Saturday. While en route, it reported a distress call following water ingress in one of its holds, which eventually led to the ship capsizing.

Heroic Rescue Operation Saves 24 Lives

Acting swiftly on the SOS signal, the Indian Coast Guard initiated a massive rescue mission. 21 crew members were immediately evacuated in the initial phase of the operation. However, three brave crew members remained aboard the vessel to assist with salvage efforts.

As conditions worsened on Sunday and the ship fully capsized, INS Sujata responded promptly, rescuing the remaining three crew members from the sinking vessel, ensuring that all 24 personnel were safely brought to shore.

Hazardous Cargo and Oil Pose Threat to Marine Ecology

According to official ICG reports, MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, of which 13 held hazardous materials, and 12 contained calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts dangerously with water. The ship was also loaded with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil stored in its fuel tanks.

This combination of chemicals and oil has triggered fears of a potential ecological disaster, prompting rapid anti-pollution response measures.

Pollution Control Ops Underway, No Oil Spill Detected Yet

To mitigate environmental risks, the Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Kerala state administration, has launched a series of anti-pollution operations. Specialized ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting aerial surveillance of the affected area.

As of now, authorities have not detected any oil spill, but the risk remains high due to the nature of the cargo and the amount of fuel onboard. Efforts are ongoing to contain and monitor any potential leakage into the Arabian Sea.

Dislodged Containers Complicate the Situation

The vessel’s unstable tilt before capsizing resulted in several containers falling into the sea, creating additional challenges for navigation safety and pollution control. Authorities are working to locate and secure these containers to prevent further complications.

Authorities on High Alert

Speaking on the incident, an ICG spokesperson stated,

“The swift coordination between the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and state officials ensured a successful rescue operation. We remain on high alert to address any environmental fallout.”

The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by maritime transport of hazardous goods. While all crew members have been safely rescued, the focus now shifts to preventing an environmental crisis in the ecologically sensitive waters off Kochi.

Ongoing monitoring and rapid pollution control measures by Indian authorities showcase their preparedness and commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection.