Liberian container ship capsizes; Indian coast guard saves all the crew members
A Liberian cargo ship carrying 640 containers—13 of which were hazardous sank in the sea off the coast of Kerala, leading to concerns about possible environmental damage.
New Delhi (India) May 25: According to officials, the MSC ELSA 3, a container ship flying the flag of Liberia, has totally sunk and is presently leaking oil after tilting 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi. Every member of the crew has been saved.
They rescued 21 crew members who were citizens of Georgia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Russia.
Three senior members of the crew stayed on board to help with rescue efforts. But during the night, the ship's condition worsened and on May 25, at around 7:50 AM, it sank. The Indian Navy's INS Sujata rescued the remaining crew members who were present on the ship.
A Coast Guard statement said, "In the early hours of 25 May, MSC ELSA 3 listed rapidly and capsized at position 09°18.76'N 076°08.12'E and sank."
"All crew remain safe and Coast Guard is assessing the situation and issuing an advisory to state authorities.”
According to Bhisham Sharma, inspector general of the Coast Guard's Western area, they believed the ship would stabilize but water intrusion caused it to sink.
According to the ICG, the ship Saksham has been stationed at the scene to respond to any potential oil spill situation and is equipped with pollution response equipment.
There were 640 containers on board, twelve of which included calcium carbide and thirteen of which had dangerous material.
The Coast Guard has confirmed that the ship was carrying Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO).
The Indian Coast Guard further stated that it is actively monitoring the environmental effect following the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 and is prepared to respond to the changing situation.
ICG said, "ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported."
The public has been advised not to touch any cargo containers or oil spills that might wash up on the shore by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
They have also asked people to inform the police immediately if they see any oil or containers on the shore.
The ship's owners informed Indian authorities that the vessel was sinking 26 degrees at around 1.25 p.m. on May 24 and requested immediate help.
The Coast Guard is keeping planes and ships close to the stranded ship in an effort to supervise rescue efforts.
Aadrika Tayal
What's Your Reaction?
