15 crew members stranded as container ship tilts off Kerala coast; rescue ops on | India News
NEW DELHI: A Liberia-flagged container vessel, MSC ELSA 3, began tilting soon after departing Vizhinjam port on Saturday, prompting a major rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard.The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, with the vessel seeking urgent assistance.The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) immediately mobilised resources and is currently coordinating rescue operations. Ships have been deployed in the area and aircraft are maintaining aerial oversight of the distressed vessel.Nine of the 24 crew members on board have abandoned the ship and are currently in liferafts. Rescue efforts are under way for the remaining 15 crew members still on board. ICG aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the vessel to aid in evacuation, reported news agency ANI, citing the Indian Coast Guard.The Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, has issued directives to the ship’s managers to arrange urgent salvage services. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any loss of life or environmental damage.
