Coast Guard response slows oil spread after MSC ELSA 3 sinks off Kerala; 46 containers wash ashore
The Indian Coast Guard said on 27 May 2025 that its response had slowed the spread of oil from the sunken Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 off Alappuzha, Kerala, with no oil reaching the shore as of 26 May and about 46 containers washed ashore.
Summary
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) led the response to oil leaking from the sunken Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the Alappuzha coast of Kerala, the Ministry of Defence said on 27 May 2025. As of 26 May, no oil had reached the shoreline, while about 46 cargo containers had washed ashore across three coastal districts of Kerala. Three Offshore Patrol Vessels and the pollution control vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari were deployed, and ICG Dornier aircraft from Kochi flew daily surveillance and spill-response sorties. ICG issued early advisories to the Kerala administration on oil and hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) risks.
Key facts
- Vessel
- MSC ELSA 3, Liberian container ship (sunk)
- Location
- Off Alappuzha coast, Kerala
- Oil on shore
- None as of 26 May 2025
- Containers ashore
- About 46, across three districts
- Assets
- Three OPVs; ICGS Samudra Prahari; Dornier aircraft from Kochi
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank in May 2025, went down off the coast of which district of Kerala?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Alappuzha
MSC ELSA 3 sank off the Alappuzha coast, Kerala.
Which specialised pollution control vessel of the Indian Coast Guard was deployed after the MSC ELSA 3 sinking?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ICGS Samudra Prahari
Three Offshore Patrol Vessels and the specialised pollution control vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari were deployed.