The Mediterranean Shipping Company’s container ship MSC ELSA 3 caused considerable concern in the maritime industry when it capsized approximately 38 nautical miles off Kochi, Kerala in the early hours of May 25,2025. The MSC ELSA 3, operated under the Liberian flag, experienced catastrophic damage after one of its cargo holds flooded, causing it to sink.
The Incident Unfolds
The container ship MSC ELSA 3 measures 184 meters in length. In a pre-pilot communication, the ship confirmed that it had set off from Vizhinjam port on May 23 and was bound for Kochi. By the afternoon of the 24th the ship had reported a 26-degree list indicating a heavy gimbal lock. Despite attempts to stablize the ship, the risk of further flooding escalated due to non-essential ballast tanks being filled with water. This condition caused the ship to capsize on the 25th early in the morning.
Rescue Operations
The swift response of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy aided in controlling the situation and commencing rescue operations. Out of the 24-member crew which consisted of 20 Filipinos, 2 Ukrainians, 1 Russian (captain), and 1 Georgian, a total of 21 were rescued. The remaining three, along with the master of the ship, the chief engineer, and the assistant engineer, were initially left on the ship to help the salvage operations but eventually evacuated with the help of INS Sujata as the ship’s conditions deteriorated.
Concerns about the Environment
Thirteen of the 640 containers on board the MSC ELSA 3 contained hazardous cargo, and twelve of them contained calcium carbide, a material that reacts violently with water to produce acetylene gas, which is extremely dangerous for marine life. Significant amounts of fuel were also carried by the ship: 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil and 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel. These elements have led to severe worries about possible chemical pollution and oil spills in the environmentally delicate waters off the coast of Kerala.
Precautions and Reaction
The Indian Coast Guard sent pollution response ships, such as the ICGS Saksham and ICGS Samarth, to the location in response to the environmental threat. Additionally, a Coast Guard Dornier plane was sent for aerial observation and evaluation. The State Disaster Management Authority of Kerala issued warnings to coastal communities, advising them not to approach or touch any containers that might wash ashore and to report such sightings to authorities immediately.
Safety precautions and investigations
According to preliminary reports, the ship quickly capsized due to flooding in one of the cargo holds. To ascertain the precise cause and evaluate whether any violations of safety procedures played a role in the incident, investigations are currently in progress. The incident serves as a reminder of the significance of strict safety protocols and the requirement for sophisticated monitoring systems in order to quickly identify and address possible risks.
In conclusion
A clear reminder of the dangers of maritime travel, particularly when carrying hazardous materials, is provided by the capsizing of the MSC ELSA 3. Although it is admirable that every crew member was successfully rescued, the event emphasizes the necessity of constant watchfulness, strict safety regulations, and efficient emergency response systems to safeguard human life as well as the marine environment.
