On May 25, 2025, the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3 sank off the coast of Kerala while carrying 643 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials. An interim report presented to the Kerala High Court detailed the factors that rendered the vessel unseaworthy after its departure from Vizhinjam Port. A malfunction in the ballast and heeling systems caused the ship to list dangerously, ultimately leading to a total power failure.
Despite abnormal pressure readings being recorded 36 hours before the voyage, the crew and shore personnel overlooked these signs. The aging vessel lacked modern safety features, and critical issues with its bilge pumping and automated heeling systems were not addressed promptly. Additionally, essential spare parts, which had been requested eight months earlier, were not supplied by the management.
During the incident, water entered the cargo hold through a leaking manhole cover and a cracked ballast tank seam, resulting in hull failure. Although the crew had theoretical knowledge, they lacked the necessary training for emergency ballast operations and prolonged blackouts. The ship’s technical management in Cyprus delayed crucial response actions by over three hours, leading to ineffective communication during the crisis.
The Directorate General of Shipping presented this report to counter a plea from the crew to return home, citing negligence. However, the Kerala High Court permitted three crew members, including an electro-technical engineer, to return to their home countries.
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