Classification
- Incident Type: Sinking
- Severity: High
- Vessel Type: Container
Vessel Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Vessel Name | MSC Elsa 3 |
| Vessel Type | Container |
| Flag State | |
| IMO Number | |
| Gross Tonnage | |
| LOA (m) | |
| Owner/Operator | MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. |
Incident Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Date | 2025-05-24 |
| Location | About 30 nautical miles southwest of Cochin Port; sank about 13 nautical miles off the Kerala coast |
| Coordinates | 9.312500, 76.136000 |
| Region | Arabian Sea |
| Fatalities | |
| Injuries | |
| Missing | |
| Cargo Loss | All deck containers were reported adrift, including 13 IMDG Class 4.3 calcium carbide containers |
| Direct Damage | The vessel sank; all deck containers were reported adrift. |
Key facts
- MSC Elsa 3 developed a severe starboard list at approximately 1300 IST on 24 May 2025.
- The vessel was en route from Vizhinjam to Cochin and sank at 0750 on 25 May off Kerala.
- All deck containers were reported adrift, including 13 IMDG Class 4.3 calcium carbide containers.
- Kerala recorded coastal pollution from the wreckage as a state-specific disaster.
Narrative
On 24 May 2025 at approximately 1300 IST, MSC Elsa 3, operated by MSC Shipmanagement Ltd., developed a severe starboard list while en route from Vizhinjam to Cochin, about 30 nautical miles southwest of Cochin Port. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority notice records that the vessel sank at 0750 on 25 May in position 09°18.75'N, 076°08.16'E, about 13 nautical miles off Kerala. It states that all deck containers were reported adrift, including 13 IMDG Class 4.3 containers containing calcium carbide, a substance that reacts with water to release flammable gases. The notice also records a government order declaring coastal pollution from the wreckage a state-specific disaster and later measures for cleanup and impact assessment. It does not establish the initiating cause, casualty figures, final cargo disposition, or financial loss.
Sequence of events
| Date/time | Event |
|---|
| 2025-05-24 13:00 IST | MSC Elsa 3 developed a severe starboard list while sailing from Vizhinjam to Cochin. |
| 2025-05-25 07:50 | The vessel sank about 13 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. |
| 2025-05-29 | Kerala issued a government order declaring coastal pollution from the wreckage a state-specific disaster. |
Investigation
The reviewed Kerala State Disaster Management Authority notice records the list, sinking, drifting containers, and government response to coastal pollution. It does not provide an accident-investigation finding or identify the initiating cause. It also does not confirm fatalities, injuries, missing persons, or final economic loss.
References
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