On May 25, 2025, the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank approximately 14.6 nautical miles (27 km) off the coast of Thottappally, Alappuzha, Kerala, after developing a severe list due to technical issues and adverse weather conditions. The vessel was en route from Vizhinjam Port to Kochi when it began listing by 26 degrees, attributed to flooding in one of its holds. Despite efforts by the captain and two engineers to stabilize the ship, it capsized and sank in the early hours of Sunday. All 24 crew members were successfully rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy.
At the time of sinking, MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide – a chemical that reacts violently with water to produce flammable acetylene gas. The ship also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil onboard. The incident has raised significant environmental concerns, as the potential leakage of these substances poses a threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
In response, the Indian Coast Guard has initiated containment efforts, deploying pollution response vessels and conducting aerial surveillance to monitor the situation. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings to the public to avoid contact with any floating debris, emphasizing the dangers posed by the hazardous cargo. Fishing activities within a 20-nautical-mile radius have been suspended as a precautionary measure. The cause of the incident is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a combination of technical failure and rough sea conditions due to the early onset of the southwest monsoon. Authorities continue to monitor the area closely to mitigate environmental risks and ensure maritime safety.
Credit: World Cargo News, The Indian Express, Real Logistics, Online Manorama, Times of India.
