On May 25, the MSC ELSA 3 capsized off Kerala’s coast, highlighting India’s reliance on Flags of Convenience (FoC) vessels. With over 97% of trade depending on these ships, the incident reveals significant vulnerabilities due to lax oversight, complicating accountability as India aims for a stronger maritime presence amid rising geopolitical risks.
The sinking of the MSC Elsa-3 off Kerala’s coast has raised alarms over maritime safety. Captain Naveen Singhal attributed the disaster to improper container loading, leading to stability issues. He emphasized the risks of under-declared container weights, urging for improved verification methods to prevent such hazardous incidents in the future.
In the aftermath of the MSC ELSA 3 capsizing near Kochi, maritime experts are urging stricter regulations for aging feeder vessels during monsoon season. The incident underscores the heightened risks posed by rough seas and extreme weather, prompting a reevaluation of current seaworthiness checks and the safety of older foreign-flagged ships.
T&T Salvage has arrived in Kochi to manage the recovery of the capsized vessel MSC ELSA III. Coordination with local authorities is ongoing to retrieve containers and minimize risks. The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued all 24 crew members, while efforts to recover hazardous materials from the ship are underway.
The final accident investigation report by the MAIB into the capsizing and foundering of the stern trawler Njord revealed that post-construction modifications had reduced the vessel’s stability. The incident occurred about 50 nautical miles north-east of Peterhead, Scotland in 2022. The vessel, which departed from Peterhead with a crew of eight, encountered a large haul of fish that ultimately led to its capsizing.
The owner of the capsized fishing vessel off Nova Scotia identified the experienced skipper, John Allen Baker, and deckhand Phil MacInnis as the crewmembers who tragically lost their lives. Despite difficult conditions, three survivors were rescued, but one later passed away. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the casualty.
