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MSC Elsa 3

MSC Elsa 3

MSC Elsa 3
Photo: Indian Navy

On the early morning of May 24, the 184 meter long, 22994 dwt container ship MSC Elsa 3 (IMO: 9123221) capsized and sank in the in the Arabian Sea some 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, India. The MSC Elsa 3 departed just a day before from Vizhinjam bound for Kochi with 640 containers when it suffered water ingress along its starboard hull.  The flooding could not be controlled and one or more holds became flooded.  The container ship developed a sharp list to starboard.

The 24 crew on board the MSC Elsa 3 had set out a distress call before abandoning into 2 life rafts. Indian authorities dispatched vessels and aircraft in a search and rescue for the survivors. The Indian Coast Guard rescued 21 of the crew while 3 crew members remained on board in hopes to salvage the container ship.  Before any salvage plans could be executed, weather conditions worsen and the Indian Navy removed the final 3 crew members off the MSC Elsa 3.  The Container ship would finally roll over onto its starboard hull and sink.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state there is concern of both oil and hazardous cargo pollution being released from the incident. A large oil slick was visible over the area where the container ship sank and multiple containers were adrift in the water. The MSC Elsa 3 had 25 containers of hazardous cargo along with 367 metric tons of fuel oil and 84 tons of diesel fuel. Indian Authorities have deployed teams to monitor the area for pollution. Alerts to the public warned of oil pollution may washup along the shoreline and should keep distance from any containers that reach shore. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

The MSC Elsa 3 had a prior incident in 2016. The container ship had struck a bulk carrier in an anchorage off Yemen and sustained some damage to its forecastle.

 

Raviprakash

Raviprakash

Raviprakash
Photo: daijworld.com

On February 19, the fishing vessel Raviprakash caught fire on the Arabian Sea at its berth in Baputhota Harbour, India. Bystanders noticed the fire and alerted the local fire brigade who quickly responded to the scene. Fire fighters attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the fire had already consumed the fishing vessel. Fortunately, the fire was not able to spread to the 30 other vessels docked nearby.  No reports of injuries. The cause of the fire was not disclosed.

The Raviprakash and the fishing equipment on board was estimated to be a total loss of 1.5 million Rupees.

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal
Photo: uk.news.yahoo.com

On December 18, the passenger ferry Neel Kamal collided with an Indian Navy speedboat in the Indian Ocean off Mumbai, India. The Neel Kamal was taking some 111 passengers on a sightseeing trip to the Elephanta Caves, an island home to an UNESCO World Heritage site when it was rammed by the speedboat.  The passenger ferry’s hull was holed and the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The vessel would roll over onto its side as it sank.

Authorities were able to launch a search and rescue operation immediately after the collision. Multiple helicopters along with 15 naval, police and coast guard vessels assisted in rescuing survivors from the incident. Authorities were aided by several private boats along with the harbor pilot boat Poorva which was able to rescue 25 from the sea.

Authorities report that 111 people were rescued with 4 sustaining critical injuries. Officials stated that 2 passengers were still reported as missing and 13 people perished from the incident.

A passenger captured the incident on video showing the speedboat making high speed zigzags before it struck the Neel Kamal.  The Indian Navy has stated the speedboat had suffered engine failure and lost control. Authorities have stated the Neel Kamal was overloaded with passengers than it was rated for just 84 passengers and 6 crew. The incident is under investigation.