Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy rescue 24 crew members of MSC ELSA 3

All 24 crew members of Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 were rescued safely - 21 by India Coast Guard and three by Indian Navy ship Sujata after the vessel sank off Kochi on May 24, 2025.

"The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide," says the latest update on X from the Coast Guard.

Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.

"ICG has activated comprehensive pollution response preparedness, and is working in close coordination with state administration to address all possible scenarios. ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting aerial assessment of the affected area. As of now, no oil spill has been reported. ICG remains fully alert and committed to safeguarding marine safety and protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem of Kerala."

Coast Guard Mumbai had received a distress alert regarding the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developing 26° list approx 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The vessel departed Vizhinjam Port on 23 May 23, 2025 and was bound for Kochi with ETA on May 24, 2025.

"In the early hours of May 25, 2025, the vessel capsized rapidly, reportedly due to flooding in one of the holds. Three crew remaining onboard abandoned the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined operations last evening."