MSC ELSA 3 Sinks near Indian coast

On 24th May, 2025 early morning, MSC vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank near Kochi port.

Vessel details

•        Name – MSC ELSA 3

•        IMO number – 9123221

•        Flag - Liberia

•        Built Year – 1997

•        Age – 28 Years

•  

Route – The vessel was enroute from Vizhinjam port to Kochi Port, she left Vizhijam port on 23rd May, 19:30 hours and was enroute to Kochi Port while the incidence occurred. The vessel was mainly carrying imports cargo to Tuticorin and East India.

Reason of the incidence – As per MSC team, the vessel was facing weight disbalance issue leading to tilting of the vessel and later water flooded in one of the holds of the vessel after which vessel sank in the Sea.

Safety of the Crew – There were total 24 members in the crew and the complete crew has been safely rescued by a joint operation by Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy, which also included Indian Navy Ship “Sujata”.

Concern on environmental threat and Oil Spill – The vessel was carrying total 640 containers including 13 hazardous containers which had 12 containers carrying Calcium Carbide.

KSDMA - Kerala Disaster Management Authority has issued alert and warning to peoples against going near to any object related to the vessel drifting on shore.

What happens when Calcium Carbide comes in contact of water – Calcium carbide (Cac) has a vigorous reaction when it comes in contact of water and generates heat + Calcium Hydroxide + Acetylene gas which also increase alkaline nature of water raising concerns on environmental effect on the maritime ecosystem.

Raising concerns on Oil Spill

The vessel carried approx. 84 MT of diesel and approx. 360 MT of furnace oil which is raising huge concerns, in case there is an oil spill, it might impact complete marine ecology around the location. The Indian Coast Guard has engaged their pollution response ship “Saksham” and are using spill mapping technology to analyze the situation. Till now there has been no news on oil spill.