Containers from sunk Liberian vessel spotted on Kollam coast

May 26, 2025

KERALA: Eight containers from the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the Kochi coast on May 25 due to flooding, were spotted on the Kollam coast on Monday.

Red containers were seen washed ashore amidst the rocky shores and turbulent waters, highlighting potential environmental and navigational hazards.

Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Coast Guard stated that the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide.

It further added that the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks, and the ICG had activated "comprehensive Pollution Response preparedness" to address all possible scenarios of oil spillage.

The ICG also added that all the 24 crew members were rescued in a joint effort by the ICG and the Indian Navy.