The Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) swift and coordinated response, supported by multiple agencies, slowed the spread of oil leaking from the sunken container vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the Alappuzha coast, Kerala. As on May 26, 2025, no oil has reached the shoreline. About 46 cargo containers washed ashore across three coastal districts of Kerala, and more debris is expected.
Three Offshore Patrol Vessels and the specialised pollution control vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari have been deployed to contain and monitor the situation. Daily aerial surveillance and spill response sorties are being conducted by ICG Dornier aircraft from Kochi.
Following the vessel’s sinking, ICG issued early advisories to the Kerala state administration and activated coordination between key stakeholders to address potential oil or hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) pollution scenarios. ICG teams also engaged in tracking floating containers at sea and are sharing real-time alerts with local authorities to support shoreline preparedness.
