Rescue Ops On As Liberian Container Ship Tilts Sharply Off Kochi, 9 Crew Rescued

A big-scale rescue operation is underway after the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 evolved a serious 26-degree tilt roughly 38 nautical miles southwest (Nm SW) of Kochi on Saturday, prompting emergency reaction from Indian maritime government.

Nine of the 24 staff participants have already evacuated, whilst the Indian Coast Guard is operating to save lots of the remainder 15.

The 184-metre-long send had departed from Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and used to be anticipated to succeed in Kochi on May 24.

Around 1.25 pm on Saturday, the vessel’s operator, MSC Ship Management, knowledgeable Indian government in regards to the incident and sought rapid help.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hastily initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and plane within the neighborhood to supply aerial fortify.

Out of the 24 staff participants on board, 9 have already deserted the vessel and are recently protected in liferafts. Rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate the remainder 15 staff.

To fortify the evacuation procedure, ICG plane have dropped further liferafts close to the distressed container send.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with the Coast Guard, has directed the vessel’s managers to organize for pressing salvage products and services to stabilise the location.