Rescue Ops On As Liberian Container Ship Tilts Sharply Off Kochi, 9 Crew Rescued-OxBig News Network

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

Nine of the 24 crew members have already evacuated, whereas the Indian Coast Guard is working to save lots of the remaining 15.

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

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

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and plane within the neighborhood to offer aerial assist.
Out of the 24 crew members on board, 9 have already deserted the vessel and are at the moment secure in liferafts. Rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate the remaining 15 crew.

To assist the evacuation course of, ICG plane have dropped extra liferafts close to the distressed container ship.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with the Coast Guard, has directed the vessel’s managers to rearrange for pressing salvage companies to stabilise the scenario.