Cargo Ship in Trouble: 24 Crew Rescued, Hazardous Cargo Spills Near Kochi

Cargo Ship in Distress Off Kerala Coast

A cargo ship flying the Liberian flag tilted dangerously off the coast of Kerala, India, on Saturday, May 24th, sparking a major rescue operation. The ship, named MSC ELSA 3, was carrying potentially hazardous cargo when it began listing approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.

Hazardous Cargo Falls, 24 Crew Rescued

The incident caused several containers with hazardous materials to fall into the sea. Thankfully, all 24 foreign crew members aboard the vessel were safely rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

The rescue operation was particularly challenging due to the precarious situation of the ship and the ongoing risk of further containers falling overboard. The Indian Navy vessel INS Sujata played a crucial role in the rescue, staying close to the tilting ship despite the danger.

Efforts to Contain Damage and Tow the Ship

The company that owns the vessel has dispatched another ship to assist in towing and other operations. The Indian Navy is also working on strategies to tow the tilted ship to prevent further environmental damage. However, there are concerns about the vessel’s stability, as it has further submerged since Saturday. Experts are assessing whether it’s even possible to tow the ship safely.

The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are currently monitoring the situation closely, and a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has been deployed to mitigate any potential oil spills.

Public Alert Issued

Authorities have issued an alert for the public, urging them not to approach or touch any cargo that may wash ashore along the Kerala coast.

Next Steps

The focus remains on stabilizing the situation, preventing further environmental harm, and assessing the feasibility of safely removing the stranded ship.