Liberia’s cargo ship MSC Elsa 3 drowned on the Kochi coast in Kerala. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Navy rescued all 24 crew members. 640 containers loaded on the ship filled some dangerous chemicals including calcium carbide, diesel, furnace oil.
Ship left for Kochi from Vijhinjam Port in Kerala on 23 May. On May 24, at around 1:25 pm, it was reported to be bent about 26 degrees at a distance of 38 sea miles from Kochi coast. As soon as the Emergency was reported, the Marine Rescue Sub Center (MRSC) of ICG started the rescue operation in Kochi.
By late evening, 21 were rescued out of 24 crew members of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Philippines. The remaining three senior crew members were on the ship to try to save the ship from drowning.
However, the ship’s inclination continued to grow and today he drowned. Navy Ship INS Sujata also saved the remaining three crew members. The reason for bending on one side of the ship is not yet known.
ICG started preparations for pollution response
In view of the sensitive maritime ecosystem on the Kerala coast, ICG has started preparing for pollution response. Aircraft equipped with advanced technology that detect oil leakage are aerial monitoring. However, oil leakage is not yet reported.
On December 18, 2024 in Mumbai, 15 people died in a boat accident. The passenger boat and navy’s speed boat collided with the Gateway of India to Elephanta. There were a total of 113 people in both. CISF Constable, who was in the rescue team, said that some parents in the boat wanted to throw their children into the sea. They felt that the boat was sinking, the children may be saved by throwing it into the water.
