Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 24: A major rescue operation is in progress after the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 developed a sharp 26-degree tilt approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi on Saturday, triggering an emergency response from Indian maritime authorities.
The 184-metre-long vessel, which departed from Vizhinjam Port on May 23, was scheduled to reach Kochi on May 24. Around 1:25 PM on Saturday, the ship’s operator, MSC Ship Management, alerted Indian authorities about the critical situation and requested immediate help.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) responded swiftly, dispatching ships and aircraft to the area. So far, nine out of the 24 crew members aboard have successfully evacuated and are safe in liferafts. The rescue operation is ongoing to evacuate the remaining 15 crew members still on the vessel.
ICG aircraft have also airdropped additional liferafts near the listing vessel to aid in the evacuation process. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with the Coast Guard, has instructed the vessel’s management to arrange for urgent salvage services to stabilise the situation and prevent any escalation.
Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the ship closely, as efforts intensify to ensure the safety of all crew and secure the distressed vessel.
Suggested tags: MSC ELSA 3, Kochi Rescue, Indian Coast Guard, Container Ship Emergency, Maritime Rescue, Kerala News, DG Shipping, Vizhinjam Port, Ship Tilt, Liferaft Evacuation, Sea Rescue Operation, Maritime Incident India