Kochi – A major rescue operation is underway after a Liberia-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, developed a dangerous list of 26 degrees off the coast of Kochi, prompting a swift response from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The 184-metre-long vessel had departed Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and was expected to reach Kochi on May 24. At approximately 13:25 hours on Friday, MSC Ship Management alerted Indian authorities that the vessel was in distress, located around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
In response, the Indian Coast Guard deployed ships and aircraft to the area. Out of the 24 crew members onboard, nine have already evacuated into liferafts. Rescue efforts are ongoing for the remaining 15 crew members.
ICG aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the vessel to aid in the evacuation. The Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with the Coast Guard, has instructed the ship managers to arrange urgent salvage services for the listing vessel.
The Indian Coast Guard is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of crew members and prevent any environmental damage.
