26/05/2025
MSC ELSA 3 Sinks Off Kochi: All 24 Crew Members, Including Filipinos, Rescued Safely I rbbolivar I MARINO PH
The Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 has been officially confirmed sunk off the coast of Kochi, India on May 25, 2025, with all 24 crew members— including Filipino nationals—rescued safely through a coordinated effort involving the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy Ship Sujata, and the nearby merchant vessel MV HAN YI, whose crew, including Filipino seafarer Captain Roybel Sualibios Tabobo, extended critical assistance. The vessel was transporting 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. In response to the incident, the Indian Coast Guard activated its Pollution Response Protocol and deployed aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology to monitor the area, with no oil spill reported as of this writing. Authorities continue to maintain heightened vigilance to safeguard marine safety and protect the fragile coastal ecosystem of Kerala, while the international maritime community commends the successful rescue and solidarity shown during this emergency.
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