Indian Navy - Shipwreck Log

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.

Neel Kamal

December 22, 2024 Paul Hancock

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.

MSC Daniela

April 5, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 366 meter long, 162,867 dwt container ship MSC Daniela caught fire in the Indian Ocean 120 miles off Colombo, Sri Lanka. The MSC Daniela was en route to Suez Canal from Singapore when a fire started in one of the containers in the aft section. The fire quickly grew and engulfed more containers. Unable to contain the blaze, the vessel changed course and proceeded to an anchorage off Colombo.

Four vessels from the Sri Lanka Navy and 2 vessels from the Indian Navy were dispatched to the scene to assist. Tugs from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority also assisted in firefighting efforts. The Sri Lankan Air Force also dispatched a helicopter with a bambi bucket to assist.

No reports of injuries. Early reports from April 5 state the fire continues to burn.

Update 1

The fire was brought under control at approximately 0630 hrs local time on Wednesday 5th April.

MSC is currently in discussion with the local authorities to berth the vessel at the appropriate time. Once the ship is considered safe, an investigation into the cause of the fire will be formally initiated.

The extent of the damage and cargo losses will not be known until the vessel has safely berthed and has undergone a thorough inspection.