02 June 2025
The Liberian-flagged containership MSC ELSA 3 capsized and subsequently sank off the coast of Kochi at approximately 07:50 on 25 May 2025, after developing a 26-degree list to starboard. All 24 crew members were rescued—21 by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and three by the Indian Navy vessel INS Sujata.
Operated by MSC Ship Management, the 184-metre vessel had departed Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was en route to Kochi, with an expected arrival on 24 May. The incident occurred around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, after the ICG received a distress alert indicating the vessel was listing severely due to flooding in one of the holds. At the time of the incident, MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous materials and 12 with calcium carbide. The 28-year-old vessel also had 367.1t of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and 84.4t of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) on board.
In response to the sinking, the Indian Coast Guard activated its pollution response protocols and is coordinating with state authorities to monitor and mitigate potential environmental impacts. Surveillance aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems have been deployed to assess the area. As of now, no oil spill has been reported.
Kerala’s Ports Minister, V. N. Vasavan, stated that the cause of the incident remains under investigation. He cited adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, high waves, and possible cargo stability issues, as potential contributing factors. The southwest monsoon officially arrived in Kerala on 24 May, marking its earliest onset since 2009. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation to safeguard maritime safety and minimise environmental risks.