Cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast as salvage bid fails, efforts on to contain oil spill
Several containers fell into the sea and are drifting towards the Kerala coast, particularly between Alappuzha and Ernakulam
The Liberia-flagged container ship, MSC Elsa 3, which had been listing since Saturday (May 24), sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, on Sunday morning despite coordinated rescue efforts by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and the shipping company.
It was carrying 640 containers onboard, including 13 with hazardous cargo, while 12 contained calcium carbide. The Coast Guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
“The ship had in its tanks 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil,” the Coast Guard said.
Entire crew rescued
The MSC Elsa 3, built in 1997, departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday. The 184-metre-long vessel had been listing approximately 26 degrees to the starboard side since Saturday afternoon, about 38 nautical miles from the coast.
The incident was reported to the Indian Coast Guard at 1.25 pm on Saturday, prompting the deployment of three ships—INS Sujata of the Indian Navy, ICGS Arnvesh, and ICGS Saksham—for salvage operations.
Also read: Kerala: More containers fall into sea as Liberian ship tilts further; entire crew rescued
All 24 crew members were rescued; 21 were saved on Saturday evening, and the remaining three—the captain, chief engineer, and second engineer—were rescued on Sunday morning as the vessel began to sink.
The rescued crew members were taken to the Coast Guard headquarters and the Kochi Naval Base. The crew comprised one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national.
Efforts on to prevent oil spill
Efforts to tow the vessel to Kochi port were unsuccessful due to rough sea conditions. The Coast Guard has said that it is assessing the situation and has launched operations to contain any potential oil spill.
Several containers fell into the sea and are drifting towards the Kerala coast, particularly between Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Authorities have issued advisories warning residents not to approach or touch any containers that wash ashore.
A high-level meeting, chaired by the Kerala Chief Secretary, has been convened to evaluate the potential hazardous material spill and oversee ongoing containment measures.
KSDMA advisory
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a special advisory for the general public: “If you come across any objects on the shore that appear to be from the sunken vessel, please do not touch or approach them. Immediately inform the authorities by calling 112. Make sure to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres.
“Do not gather in groups near the spot.
“Please do not obstruct the authorities while they are removing the objects. Maintain a safe distance at all times.”
Also read: Cargo ship carrying hazardous materials lists off Kerala coast
Efforts to contain ecological damage
The Coast Guard has said the ship Saksham, equipped with pollution response equipment, has been positioned at the scene to respond to any oil spill scenario.
Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the Coast Guard further said that it has geared up pollution response preparedness and coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios.
“ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported,” it added.
The Coast Guard also said it is fully geared to respond to the emerging scenario and is closely monitoring the environmental impact in the aftermath of the sinking.
A Defence PRO said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts.
(With additional inputs from agencies)