Coast Guard rescues crew as Liberian cargo ship lists sharply off Kochi

MUMBAI: A large-scale rescue operation was launched on Saturday by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) after MSC ELSA 3, a Liberian cargo ship, listed dangerously on Friday, approximately 38 nautical miles southwest off Kochi. The ICG is headquartered in Mumbai.

**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image released by PIB on May 24, 2025, a Liberian container vessel MSC Elsa 3 carrying marine fuel after listing several degrees, 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on Saturday afternoon, causing its cargo to spill into the sea. (PIB via PTI Photo) (PTI05_24_2025_000279A) (PIB)

At around 1.25 pm on Saturday, the vessel’s operator, MSC Ship Management, informed Indian authorities about the incident and sought immediate assistance. The ICG swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support. To support the evacuation process, ICG aircraft dropped additional life rafts near the distressed ship.