Swiss Cargo Ship MSC ELSA 3 Sinks Off India's Kerala Coast; All Crew Rescued



A Liberian-flagged Swiss container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank early Sunday morning about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, Kerala India. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that can be dangerous if it comes into contact with water.


The ship developed a severe tilt on Saturday afternoon and eventually capsized due to flooding in one of its holds. The Indian authorities launched a swift rescue operation. All 24 crew members, from countries including Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, were safely rescued—24 military personnel involved.


The ship was also carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, raising concerns about potential marine pollution in the ecologically sensitive Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard has activated full pollution response measures. Its ship Saksham, equipped with pollution control equipment, remains on site to monitor the situation. Aerial surveillance by Coast Guard aircraft with oil spill detection technology is ongoing. So far, no oil spill has been reported.


Authorities warn the public not to approach or handle any containers that may wash ashore, as some cargo could be hazardous. The sinking vessel’s containers are drifting slowly toward the Kerala coast, expected to reach areas between Alappuzha and Ernakulam within two days.


The cause of the ship’s sudden listing is still under investigation. Efforts to tow the vessel to port were unsuccessful due to rough seas and strong winds.


This incident highlights the risks posed by maritime accidents near important coastal ecosystems and the need for vigilant monitoring and quick response to protect the environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LTTE’s Use of Child Soldiers: A Grave Violation of Human Rights

Image
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stand condemned not only for their violent insurgency but also for their ruthless exploitation of children as soldiers during Sri Lanka’s civil war.  While the conflict officially ended in 2009, the scars left by the LTTE’s forced recruitment of thousands of children remain a painful reminder of their terror tactics. During the war, the LTTE systematically abducted and conscripted children-some as young as 11 or 12-forcing them into brutal military training and deploying them on front lines.  Human Rights Watch reported that children were often taken from their homes at night or seized while going to school, with families threatened or beaten if they resisted.  Once recruited, these children faced harsh discipline, exposure to violence, and were denied contact with their families. UNICEF documented thousands of such cases, with estimates suggesting the actual numbers were even higher due to underreporting. The LTTE’s use of chil...
Read more

Former UK Cabin Crew Member Arrested in Sri Lanka with £1.15 Million Cannabis Haul

Image
Sri Lankan authorities have detained Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on charges of attempting to smuggle 46 kilograms of cannabis into the country. The drugs, valued at approximately £1.15 million, were found packed in vacuum-sealed bags inside two large suitcases after Lee arrived on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit described the seizure as the largest amount of Kush cannabis ever discovered at the airport. Kush is a potent strain often mixed with synthetic substances and is believed to be destined for high-end buyers within Sri Lanka. Lee, who previously worked for TUI Group and has recently been training as a beautician, remains in custody while investigations continue. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support to Lee and is in contact with her family and Sri Lankan authorities. Friends of Le...
Read more

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: Pope Francis

Image
Author, Miyuru Rasoj Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. As the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy, he has brought a distinctive voice to the global stage—one rooted in humility, mercy, and a deep concern for the poor and marginalized. Early Life and Path to Priesthood Francis was born to Italian immigrant parents in a working-class neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Growing up, he developed a strong faith and a deep compassion for those in need. In 1958, at the age of 21, he entered the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits, known for their educational, missionary, and charitable work, left a lasting impact on him. Their emphasis on service, social justice, and intellectual pursuit shaped his worldview. After being ordained a priest in 1969, he went on to hold several leadership roles in the Jesuit community ...
Read more