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Business Standard
25-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Liberian cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast, 24 crew members rescued
A Liberian vessel carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday, sparking fears of a possible oil spill. All 24 crew members were rescued after the ship developed a critical tilt on Saturday, according to officials. So far, no oil spill has been reported, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday as full pollution response preparedness was activated by the Indian Coast Guard which was monitoring the situation along with the Indian Navy. "Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO NO. 9123221) sank off the Kochi coast at around 0750 hrs today on May 25, 2025, due to flooding... "The vessel went down with 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It was also loaded with 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil," the ministry said in a statement. Of the 24 crew members, 21 had been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard on Saturday, and the remaining three were later rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the rescue operation launched by the ICG. Given the sensitive marine ecosystem along Kerala's coast, the ICG has activated "full pollution response preparedness" and ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, officials said. "ICG ship Saksham, carrying pollution response equipment, remains deployed at the site. So far, no oil spill has been reported," the defence ministry said. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. The coast guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Deploying its ships and aircraft, the Indian Coast Guard had launched a rescue operation on Saturday following a distress call from the Liberian container vessel that developed a critical 26-degree list nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The emergency began on May 24, when MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree "starboard list" approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, the officials said. The vessel lost stability, prompting a distress call. ICG's Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi immediately launched a coordinated response, they said. "An ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance, spotting two life rafts with survivors. ICG patrol ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 were also diverted to assist, in line with global search and rescue protocols," the defence ministry said. By late evening of Saturday, 21 of the 24 crew, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, had been rescued. Three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage arrangements, it said. "However, the vessel's condition deteriorated overnight and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata," the statement by the ministry said. The Coast Guard on Sunday also shared the rescue operation update and some pictures on X. Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the Coast Guard in a statement issued earlier in the day, said, the ICG has geared up pollution response preparedness and coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios. "ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported," it said. A Defence PRO said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts. He added that the Coast Guard, which spearheaded the rescue operation, and Indian Navy ships are maintaining their positions in the area and monitoring the situation. The KSDMA has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore. The 184-metre-long vessel, MSC ELSA 3, departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday. At around 1.25 pm on May 24, the company owning the ship informed Indian authorities that it was listing by 26 degrees and sought urgent assistance. The Coast Guard was coordinating rescue operations by maintaining ships and aircraft near the distressed vessel. The vessel's 24-member crew comprises one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there is a possibility that cargo --including containers and oil-- may wash ashore. KSDMA also warned that oil films could appear along parts of the coast.
NDTV
25-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
"No Oil Spill So Far": Navy On High Alert After Ship Sank Off Kerala Coast
Kochi: Liberian vessel carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday, sparking fears of a possible oil spill. All 24 crew members were rescued after the ship developed a critical tilt on Saturday, according to officials. So far, no oil spill has been reported, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday as full pollution response preparedness was activated by the Indian Coast Guard which was monitoring the situation along with the Indian Navy. "Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO NO. 9123221) sank off the Kochi coast at around 0750 hrs today on May 25, 2025, due to flooding... "The vessel went down with 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It was also loaded with 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil," the ministry said in a statement. Of the 24 crew members, 21 had been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard on Saturday, and the remaining three were later rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the rescue operation launched by the ICG. Given the sensitive marine ecosystem along Kerala's coast, the ICG has activated "full pollution response preparedness" and ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, officials said. "ICG ship Saksham, carrying pollution response equipment, remains deployed at the site. So far, no oil spill has been reported," the defence ministry said. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. The coast guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Deploying its ships and aircraft, the Indian Coast Guard had launched a rescue operation on Saturday following a distress call from the Liberian container vessel that developed a critical 26-degree list nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The emergency began on May 24, when MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree "starboard list" approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, the officials said. The vessel lost stability, prompting a distress call. ICG's Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi immediately launched a coordinated response, they said. "An ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance, spotting two life rafts with survivors. ICG patrol ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 were also diverted to assist, in line with global search and rescue protocols," the defence ministry said. By late evening of Saturday, 21 of the 24 crew, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, had been rescued. Three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage arrangements, it said. "However, the vessel's condition deteriorated overnight and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata," the statement by the ministry said. The Coast Guard on Sunday also shared the rescue operation update and some pictures on X. Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the Coast Guard in a statement issued earlier in the day, said, the ICG has geared up pollution response preparedness and coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios. "ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported," it said. A Defence PRO said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts. He added that the Coast Guard, which spearheaded the rescue operation, and Indian Navy ships are maintaining their positions in the area and monitoring the situation. The KSDMA has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore. The 184-metre-long vessel, MSC ELSA 3, departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday. At around 1.25 pm on May 24, the company owning the ship informed Indian authorities that it was listing by 26 degrees and sought urgent assistance. The Coast Guard was coordinating rescue operations by maintaining ships and aircraft near the distressed vessel. The vessel's 24-member crew comprises one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there is a possibility that cargo --including containers and oil-- may wash ashore. KSDMA also warned that oil films could appear along parts of the coast.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Kerala on alert after Kochi shipwreck: How harmful is the calcium carbide, major oil spillage?
A Liberian vessel carrying 640 containers — including 13 with hazardous materials — sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday, triggering a major oil spill. All 24 crew members were safely rescued after the ship developed a severe tilt on Saturday, officials said. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a warning to the public, advising against touching any containers or oil that may wash up on shore. The leaked fuel is drifting at approximately three km/h, raising concerns about its potential impact along the Kerala coastline. In response, the state government has issued a statewide alert and advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is actively working to contain the spill and has intensified its pollution response efforts. Highlighting the ecological and economic significance of Kerala's biodiverse and tourist-heavy coast, the ICG said it is coordinating closely with state authorities to address all possible outcomes. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), leading the pollution response efforts, reported that the sunken vessel was carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, along with containers holding hazardous substances such as calcium carbide — a chemical that reacts dangerously with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas. 'Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO NO. 9123221) sank off the Kochi coast at around 0750 hrs today on May 25, 2025, due to flooding... The vessel went down with 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It was also loaded with 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil,' the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessel was also carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Following a distress call on Saturday, when the ship developed a critical 26-degree tilt nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, the ICG deployed ships and aircraft to carry out rescue operations. The KSDMA has also warned of the possibility of oil films appearing on coastal waters and urged the public to alert the police if they see any containers or signs of oil on the beaches. Calcium carbide, or calcium acetylide (CaC₂), is a colourless solid formed by heating lime and coke together at temperatures around 2000°C in an electric furnace. It's mainly used to generate acetylene gas, a key ingredient in producing various industrial organic chemicals. Additionally, it's often used to artificially ripen fruits, especially in regions where modern ripening technologies are less accessible, according to TWYH. When calcium carbide comes into contact with water, it triggers a rapid and intense chemical reaction. This reaction produces acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide and releases a significant amount of heat. Because acetylene is a highly flammable gas, this reaction can be dangerous, particularly in settings where large volumes of calcium carbide are stored or handled. The reaction between calcium carbide and water releases calcium hydroxide, which increases the water's alkalinity. This rise in pH can disturb aquatic ecosystems by affecting the health, reproduction, and survival of aquatic species. Moreover, the production of acetylene gas during this reaction can degrade water quality and pose environmental hazards—especially concerning if it contaminates water sources used for drinking or farming. The situation escalated on May 24 when MSC ELSA 3, traveling from Vizhinjam to Kochi, began to tilt—developing a 26-degree 'starboard list' around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, according to officials. As the ship lost stability, a distress signal was issued, prompting an immediate response by the Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi. 'An ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance, spotting two life rafts with survivors. ICG patrol ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 were also diverted to assist, in line with global search and rescue protocols,' the defence ministry said. 'However, the vessel's condition deteriorated overnight and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata,' the ministry said.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Oil, cargo falls into sea off Kerala coast, public cautioned against it: KSDMA
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority ( KSDMA ) on Saturday said that dangerous cargo, including oil, has fallen into the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast and cautioned the general public against touching the containers if they wash ashore. KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, in a voice note shared with reporters, said that the information about the dangerous cargo falling into the sea was received from the coast guard. "There is a chance the cargo, including containers and oil, will wash ashore. The public, if they see such cargo, should not go near it or touch it and should inform the police immediately," he said. He also said that there was a possibility of oil films appearing along the coast in some areas. Kuriakose also said that the coast guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine gasoil (MGO) and Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
News18
24-05-2025
- General
- News18
Low Sulphur Fuel Leak Off Kerala Coast After Ship Tilts, Public Urged To Stay Away
Last Updated: The vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), both of which pose environmental risks if spilled into the sea The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Saturday issued a public warning after dangerous cargo, including oil and containers, fell into the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. The cargo is believed to have come from a container vessel that developed a serious tilt and is currently under rescue and salvage operations. KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, in a voice note shared with media, said the information about the fallen cargo was received from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). He warned the public not to go near or touch any containers or materials that may wash up on shore, and instead, report such sightings immediately to the police. 'There is a chance the cargo, including containers and oil, will wash ashore. The public, if they see such cargo, should not go near it or touch it and should inform the police immediately," Kuriakose said. He also said that there is a possibility of oil films forming along certain coastal areas due to the spill. The Coast Guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), both of which pose environmental risks if spilled into the sea. The vessel in question is MSC ELSA 3, a Liberia-flagged container ship that developed a dangerous list (tilt) of 26 degrees about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said it received a distress alert from the vessel and immediately began rescue and monitoring operations. According to the ICG, the vessel had departed from Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was en route to Kochi, with an expected arrival on 24 May. Of the 24 crew members onboard, 21 have been safely rescued so far. To support the ongoing evacuation, Indian Coast Guard aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the listing vessel. 'DG Shipping, in coordination with #ICG, has issued urgent directives to the ship's managers to initiate salvage operations to stabilize the vessel and avert further risks," the ICG stated. The Coast Guard further added that the rescue ships remain in the area, and aircraft are continuing to monitor the situation closely. 'ICG continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and to prevent any environmental damages," it added. (With inputs from agencies) First Published:
