A major maritime scare unfolded off India’s southern coast as a cargo ship carrying hazardous material sank—but not before all 24 crew members were dramatically rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
Ship Tilts, Triggers Emergency
The MSC ELSA 3, a 184-metre Liberian-flagged vessel, was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it began listing dangerously on Saturday. With 640 containers on board—including 13 marked hazardous and 12 packed with calcium carbide—the ship sent out a distress call.
Navy Spots Life Rafts
Responding swiftly, Indian Navy aircraft located two life rafts drifting 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. Rescue teams scrambled, pulling out all 24 crew members—comprising nationals from Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines—just in time.
What Sank with the Ship
According to the Defence Ministry, the sunken vessel carried:
- 640 containers
- 13 with hazardous substances
- 12 containing calcium carbide
- 370 tonnes of fuel and oil
While the exact contents of the hazardous cargo remain undisclosed, calcium carbide is widely used in fertilizers and steelmaking.
Pollution Threat on Radar
Though no oil spill has been reported yet, the Indian Coast Guard has activated full pollution response systems, fearing environmental fallout along Kerala’s fragile marine ecosystem.
