A container vessel en route Kochi sent out a distress signal on Friday afternoon after tilting dangerously mid-sea. The ship, MSC ELSA 3, departed Kerala’s on May 23 and was scheduled to reach Kochi on Saturday, but reported a 26-degree list around 1:25 pm, approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
The vessel’s management, M/s MSC Ship Management, immediately alerted Indian maritime authorities, triggering a response led by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and supported by the Indian Navy.
As per a press note, out of the 24-member crew onboard, nine have abandoned the ship and are currently safe in liferafts. Rescue operations are actively ongoing for the remaining 15 seafarers still aboard the distressed vessel.
The crew includes a Russian Master, 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national.
To facilitate evacuation, ICG Dornier aircraft dropped additional liferafts near the ship and continues to hover overhead to monitor and support the efforts. One Indian Navy vessel and two Coast Guard ships are stationed at the site, coordinating rescue operations.
The Directorate General of Shipping, in close coordination with the Coast Guard, has directed the ship’s managers to urgently deploy salvage services to stabilise the vessel and prevent potential environmental hazards.
Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation.
