**Title:** Indian Coast Guard on High Alert After MSC ELSA 3 Sinking
**Meta Description:** The Indian Coast Guard is actively monitoring pollution risks after the MSC ELSA 3 sank off Kochi, with hazardous materials onboard.
**URL Slug:** indian-coast-guard-msc-elisa-sinking
**Headline:** Indian Coast Guard Responds to MSC ELSA 3 Sinking Off Kochi Coast
In the early hours of Sunday, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) heightened its alert status for pollution response following the sinking of the container vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kochi. All 24 crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged ship were successfully rescued, with 21 being picked up by ICG vessels and three by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.
The MSC ELSA 3 was transporting 640 containers, including 13 classified as hazardous materials, with 12 containing calcium carbide. Additionally, the vessel had onboard 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, raising significant concerns about potential marine pollution.
In response to the incident, the ICG has intensified surveillance and is implementing pollution response measures along the Kerala coast. Aircraft equipped with oil spill mapping technology are actively monitoring the area, and as of now, no oil spill has been detected. The ICG remains prepared to address any environmental impacts or spills that may arise from this incident.
The distress call was received by the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi on Saturday. The 184-meter-long vessel, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree starboard list approximately 38 nautical miles from the coast, putting it at risk of capsizing. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the ICG deployed a Dornier aircraft for aerial reconnaissance and rescue support. The aircraft located liferafts in the water with crew members aboard and deployed additional rafts to facilitate their evacuation. ICG ships, along with two merchant vessels, MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2, were redirected to assist under global Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols.
Rescue operations involved coordination among multiple agencies, with twelve crew members rescued by the ICG ship Arnvesh and nine by MV Han Yi. By 10 PM on May 24, three key crew members, including the captain, chief engineer, and second engineer, remained onboard to assist with salvage efforts. However, early on May 25, the vessel capsized and sank off the Kochi coast, with the remaining three crew members being rescued by INS Sujata.
As the situation develops, the ICG continues to monitor the area closely to mitigate any potential environmental hazards resulting from the incident.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What measures is the Indian Coast Guard taking in response to the MSC ELSA 3 sinking?**
A: The Indian Coast Guard has intensified surveillance and deployed pollution response measures along the Kerala coast, utilizing aircraft equipped with oil spill mapping technology to monitor the area for potential environmental impacts.