Container Ship MSC Elsa 3 Capsizes Near Kochi

🚢 In the early hours of May 25, a serious maritime incident occurred off India’s southwestern coastline when the container ship MSC Elsa 3, sailing under the Liberian flag, overturned around 70 kilometers from the port city of Kochi. The vessel, operated by MSC, was approaching the Port of Cochin when it capsized under still-unclear circumstances.

 

The Indian Coast Guard launched immediate rescue efforts, successfully evacuating 21 out of 24 crew members. However, the ship's captain, chief engineer, and second engineer remained onboard to assist with the upcoming salvage operation.

 

At the time of the incident, MSC Elsa 3 was transporting 640 containers, including 13 that contained hazardous materials and 12 filled with calcium carbide – a substance that poses chemical risks when exposed to water. The vessel was also carrying over 450 metric tonnes of fuel, comprising 84.44 tonnes of diesel and 367.1 tonnes of residual fuel oil.