Latest news with #HanYi
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Filipino ship captain hailed for rescue of 9 Pinoy seafarers off Indian coast
A Filipino ship captain received a hero's welcome after leading the rescue of nine Filipino crew members from a sunken cargo vessel off the coast of Kerala, India. The vessel, MSC ELSA 3, sank on May 25, 2025. Captain Roybel Tabobo of Iloilo, who commands the cargo ship M/V Han Yi, arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on June 4. He was greeted with flowers, banners, and applause from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 'We salute Captain Tabobo's heroism embodies the Filipino spirit of our seafarers —selfless, decisive, and always ready to help one another in times of crisis,' said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. He praised the captain's quick action and leadership during the incident. The M/V Han Yi was among the first to respond to the emergency call from the sinking MSC ELSA 3. Capt. Tabobo and his team saved nine Filipino seafarers, while the Indian Coast Guard rescued the other 11. The 20 rescued crew members are expected to return to the Philippines next week. All are safe and accounted for. Capt. Tabobo shared that he is getting married this month, making his return home both a moment of national pride and personal joy, according to Secretary Cacdac.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Indian Coast Guard's daring rescue op after foreign ship capsizes in middle of the sea
A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC Elsa 3, capsized early Sunday morning off the coast of Kerala following severe flooding in one of its cargo holds, prompting a massive rescue and environmental response effort. The 184-metre vessel, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was en route from Vizhinjam Port to Kochi when it began listing sharply on May 24 due to inclement weather. The situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing 21 of the 24 crew members to abandon ship. Rescue operations conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and passing vessels saved all personnel onboard. Nine crew members were rescued Saturday by the Singapore-based vessel Han Yi, while 12 others were recovered by the Coast Guard ship Arnvesh. The remaining three - the captain (a Russian national), chief engineer, and second engineer - stayed aboard in accordance with company protocol but were later rescued under hazardous conditions by Indian Navy vessel INS Sujata early Sunday morning. 'We had thought that the ship would stabilise, but there was water ingress and she sank,' said Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Western Region Coast Guard, in a statement to Hindustan Times. 'All crew are safe, and the Coast Guard is currently assessing the situation and issuing advisories to state authorities.' The vessel sank approximately 38 nautical miles off Kochi, unleashing hundreds of cargo containers - including some containing hazardous materials - into the Arabian Sea. The spill has sparked fears of environmental damage along Kerala's ecologically sensitive coastline. The ship was carrying a total of 640 containers, 13 of which contained hazardous cargo, including 12 containers filled with calcium carbide. Additionally, it held 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. Though no oil spill has been officially reported so far, Coast Guard aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting regular surveillance to monitor the area. The Indian Coast Guard has also ramped up pollution response preparedness in coordination with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). KSDMA has warned the public not to approach or handle any washed-ashore containers or oil residues and to immediately report such sightings to the police. 'The sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both a vivid biodiversity as well as a major tourist attraction,' a Coast Guard spokesperson said. 'We are coordinating closely with the state administration to respond to all possible scenarios.' The Chief Secretary of Kerala has convened a high-level meeting at 11 am Sunday to evaluate the environmental risk posed by the floating containers, some of which may reach shorelines in the coming days. A support vessel from MSC has reportedly arrived in the area to assist, while Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships continue to maintain their presence around the sunken vessel, monitoring developments and evaluating the feasibility of any salvage operations.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Coast Guard rescues crew as Liberian cargo ship lists sharply off Kochi
MUMBAI: A large-scale rescue operation was launched on Saturday by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) after MSC ELSA 3, a Liberian cargo ship, listed dangerously on Friday, approximately 38 nautical miles southwest off Kochi. The ICG is headquartered in Mumbai. At around 1.25 pm on Saturday, the vessel's operator, MSC Ship Management, informed Indian authorities about the incident and sought immediate assistance. The ICG swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support. To support the evacuation process, ICG aircraft dropped additional life rafts near the distressed ship. Of the 24 crew members on board, 21 abandoned the vessel and got onto life rafts. Nine were rescued and put aboard a Singaporean vessel, Han Yi, while 12 were put on Arnvesh, an ICG ship. Coast Guard officials on Saturday night said they were planning to rescue the captain, chief engineer and second engineer who remained on board. 'They were reluctant to leave because they will be required once the salvage starts,' said Coast Guard inspector-general (West) Bhisham Sharma. 'We have told them that we can let them board again if the need arises.' The director-general of shipping, in coordination with ICG, issued directives to the MSC Ship Management to provide urgent salvage services for the vessel. The developing situation on Saturday was being monitored closely by the ICG to prevent loss of life and damage to the environment, said a press note. 'When we got the first call, we sent our Dornier plane from Kochi to survey the situation,' said IG Bhisham Sharma. 'Coast Guard and other ships were also sent to the spot and 21 crew members were rescued. Containers on top of the ship had fallen down and were floating. This is a navigational hazard, as some ships could dash against them. We have alerted the local administration and issued warnings to other ships.' Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with the Coast Guard, directed the vessel's managers to arrange for urgent salvage services to stabilise the situation. This was confirmed by Sharma. Captain Mahendra Bhasin did not respond to calls from this newspaper.
