Kochi: The Liberia-flagged container ship ELSA 3, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has reportedly capsized according to the latest update by the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is believed to have capsized rapidly due to flooding in one of its cargo holds.

The three crew members who had remained onboard to assist with salvage operations abandoned the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata, which had joined the operation on Sunday evening.

All crew members are safe. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is currently assessing the situation and has been issuing advisories to state authorities to manage any emerging risks.

A second ship from MSC had reached the scene to support ongoing efforts. Three crew members, including the captain, chief engineer and second engineer, has been rescued by INS Sujata and is maintaining her position very close to the vessel.The remaining 21 crew had been safely evacuated earlier by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The crew onboard the Coast Guard ship is reported to be in good health. Meanwhile, reports indicate the more containers have fallen into the sea.

Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy vessels continue to hold their positions in the vicinity, closely monitoring the situation.

The 184-metre-long container ship had departed from Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was scheduled to arrive in Kochi the following day. Around 1.25 p.m. on 25 May, MSC Ship Management notified Indian maritime authorities of the incident, prompting an immediate response from the ICG, which deployed aircraft and patrol ships to the area.

During the incident, multiple containers fell overboard due to the vessel's tilt. The Vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. Additionally, ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.

ICG has delpoyed its pollution response ship ‘Saksham’ and working in close coordination with State administration to address all possible scenarios. An ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting aerial assessment of the affected area. As of now, no oil spill has been reported.

In light of the potential environmental risks, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a public warning urging fishermen, coastal residents and beachgoers to avoid approaching or handling any washed-up cargo or suspicious items. Any sightings of oil slicks or drifting containers should be immediately reported to local coastal police stations or by dialling emergency number 112.

Coastal districts including Kochi, Thrissur and Alappuzha remain on high alert, with cleanup teams and emergency responders on standby. Coastal surveillance has been ramped up to monitor the direction and impact of the drifting containers.

(With inputs from ANI)