Coast Guard on High Alert as Vessel with Hazardous Cargo Sinks off Kochi Coast
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has declared high alert for pollution response operations after the container vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank off the coast of Kochi early Sunday. The Liberian-flagged ship was carrying hazardous cargo and large quantities of fuel, raising serious concerns over potential marine pollution. All 24 crew members onboard were rescued in a joint operation by the ICG, Indian Navy, and nearby merchant vessels.
The vessel was loaded with 640 containers, including 13 classified as hazardous and 12 containing calcium carbide—a chemical known for its reactivity with water. Additionally, it carried 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, making the risk of an oil spill a critical concern.
The 184-meter-long MSC ELSA 3 was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it sent out a distress signal on Saturday, reporting a 26-degree starboard list approximately 38 nautical miles from the Kochi coast. The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi immediately launched response measures.
The ICG deployed a Dornier aircraft for aerial reconnaissance and deployed liferafts to assist in evacuating the crew. Twelve members were rescued by ICG ship Arnvesh, while merchant vessel MV Han Yi rescued nine others. Three key crew—including the captain, chief engineer, and second engineer—remained onboard to support salvage efforts.
However, early on Sunday, the vessel capsised and sank. The remaining three were safely rescued by Indian Navy ship INS Sujata.
No oil spill has been detected as of now, but the ICG is taking no chances. Aircraft equipped with oil spill mapping technology are monitoring the region. Surveillance and pollution control efforts have been intensified along the Kerala coast.
In a statement, the ICG said:
“We remain on standby for any pollution response operations. Our aircraft and vessels continue to monitor for any signs of leakage.”
The sinking of a vessel carrying hazardous materials and fuel is rare but not unprecedented. India has seen similar threats to marine ecosystems in the past, such as the 2010 MSC Chitra collision off Mumbai, which led to an oil spill and large-scale cleanup efforts.
