Kochi (Kerala), May 26 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched a large-scale pollution response operation after the Liberian-flagged container vessel MV MSC ELSA 3 sank on May 25, 2025, approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, Kerala. Hours after the incident, ICG surveillance aircraft detected an oil slick at the sinking site, triggering urgent environmental mitigation efforts.
ICG Ship Saksham, already configured for pollution response, was deployed immediately, and an ICG Dornier aircraft conducted aerial assessments while spraying Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) over the affected area. By late morning, the oil slick was observed drifting east-southeast from the wreckage at a rate of 1.5 to 2 knots.
Challenging sea conditions, including strong winds and rough waters, have complicated response operations. Additionally, over 100 cargo containers were reported floating near the site, with some breaking apart and releasing their contents into the ocean. Due to the increased risk of navigational hazards, all passing vessels have been diverted, and mariners have been urged to proceed with caution in the region.
ICG has ramped up surveillance and containment efforts using aerial sorties and specialized dispersal tools. Two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) remain deployed for continuous monitoring, while pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari, along with additional OPVs, has been mobilized carrying significant volumes of OSD.
All 24 crew members aboard MSC ELSA 3 were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy prior to the vessel’s sinking. The ship was carrying a total of 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide. Additionally, the vessel’s tanks held 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, raising significant environmental concerns.
The Mercantile Marine Department in Kochi has issued a pollution liability warning to the vessel’s owners, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. In response, MSC has appointed T&T Salvage to oversee container recovery, oil removal, and environmental remediation.
The ICG has advised the Kerala state administration to prepare for possible shoreline clean-up operations. Local communities have been warned not to touch any cargo or debris that may wash ashore. (ANI)
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