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Tag: Indian Coast Guard

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.

 

Ibis

Ibis

Ibis
Photo: newindianexpress.com

On June 3, the 66 meter long, 2600 dwt dredge barge Ibis began to sink off Ullal, Karnataka, India. The Ibis had been working on breakwater construction when it was caught in bad weather. The dredge began to flood from the heavy seas and was in danger of capsizing.

Local authorities were alerted and the Indian Coast Guard dispatched a rescue vessel which was patrolling near by. The rescue boat arrived on scene and began rescue operations. Rescuers were able to transfer four of the 27 crew on board the Ibis before weather slowed their efforts. Not until the following day did authorities were able to rescue all the remaining 23 crew. No reports of injuries.

Authorities reported there is some concern that some pollution will be released. Several items have broken free from the dredge including gas cylinder and other flotsam. Reports state the Ibis had both fuel oil and diesel fuel on board it’s fuel tanks and the dredge is close to the shoreline making it a high risk of fouling beaches with pollution.

On June 5, the Ibis had partially sank with some of the superstructure still above water. Reports state the dredge will most likely sink by the next day unless authorities can successfully tow the vessel into port.

Coastal Pride

Coastal Pride

Coastal Pride
Photo: marineinsight.com

The 78 meter long, 2047 dwt cargo vessel Coastal Pride capsized and sank off Dahanu near Mumbai, India.  The Coastal Pride had suffered a mechanical failure on June 22 while caught in a storm. The crew was able to make an emergency anchor off Dahanu. However, the  Coastal Pride began to roll badly in the strong winds and rough seas the following day.  Eventually, the cargo vessel developed a list and the crew sent out a distress call.  The Indian Coast Guard dispatched two helicopters to the scene.  The helicopters arrived on scene and winched six crew off the vessel and took them ashore.  On the third round, the Coastal Pride finally rolled over and sank. The remaining eight crew were pulled from the water. No reports of injuries.