Kochi: The Liberia-flagged container ship ELSA 3, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), remains stable after developing a sharp 26-degree tilt on Saturday approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. Authorities report no further listing, with the vessel now in a state of equilibrium.

According to the latest updates, a second ship from MSC has 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).

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 crew onboard the Coast Guard ship is reported to be in good health.

The Indian Navy is currently evaluating options to tow the stranded vessel in a bid to prevent potential environmental damage. A professional technical assessment is also underway to determine the feasibility and safety of towing operations.

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. Some of these containers, now adrift in the Arabian Sea, are suspected to contain hazardous materials—including 367.1 metric tonnes of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and 84.4 metric tonnes of Marine Gas Oil.

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)