The container vessel MSC ELSA 3 capsized approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, India, while reportedly transporting hazardous cargo.
As reported, the vessel had departed from Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was expected to arrive in Kochi around on 25 May. The incident is believed to have been caused by flooding in the cargo holds, which led the ship to list and eventually capsize. At the time, the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that can catch fire or explode upon contact with seawater.
In addition, the ship was also carrying 84.44 metric tons of diesel and approximately 376.1 tons of furnace oil, heightening environmental concerns.
Fortunately, however, all 24 crew members have been rescued. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has rescued 21 members, while the remaining three the captain, chief engineer and second engineer were rescued later in the evening by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.
All 24 crew members ex Liberian-flagged container Vessel MSC ELSA 3 rescued safely, 21 by @IndiaCoastGuard & 03 by @indiannavy Ship Sujata after vessel sank off #Kochi this morning. Vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium… pic.twitter.com/990qmogVJR
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 25, 2025
Despite the risks, there have been no confirmed reports of pollution or oil spills as of now. The ICG has deployed a pollution-control ship and an aircraft equipped with an oil spill detection system to monitor the area.
Furthermore, cleanup teams and emergency responders across the coastal districts of Kochi, Thrissur and Alappuzha have been placed on high alert.
“As the oil slick can reach anywhere along the Kerala coast, an alert has been sounded across the coastal belt” stated the Chief Minister’s Office.
Authorities have advised coastal residents not to touch any containers or oil that may wash ashore and fishermen have also been urged to avoid approaching the area around the sunken vessel.
