Sun May 25 08:00:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite of the information into a news article format:

**Summary:**

A Liberian-flagged container ship, the MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi, India, on May 25, 2025. The ship was carrying 640 containers, some with hazardous materials, as well as significant quantities of diesel and furnace oil. All 24 crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy. The sinking followed a 26-degree tilt developed the previous day. Authorities are monitoring for potential oil spills and warning the public about potentially hazardous cargo washing ashore. The cause of the initial tilt is under investigation.

**News Article:**

**Container Ship Sinks Off Kochi Coast; Rescue Operation Successful, Pollution Monitoring Underway**

**KOCHI, India – May 25, 2025** – A Liberian-flagged container vessel, the MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi early this morning, prompting a swift response from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Navy. The vessel, carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 loaded with calcium carbide, went down approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi after developing a severe list.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship sank due to flooding. The vessel was also carrying 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil, raising concerns about potential environmental damage.

Fortunately, all 24 crew members, comprised of Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals, were successfully rescued. The ICG rescued 21 crew members, while the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata rescued the remaining three, including the ship’s Russian captain and chief engineer.

The emergency began on Saturday, May 24th, when the MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree tilt, triggering a distress call. The ICG immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation, diverting patrol ships and merchant vessels to the scene.

In response to the sinking, the ICG has activated full pollution response preparedness. Aircraft equipped with advanced oil-spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, and the ICG ship Saksham is deployed at the site with pollution-response equipment. As of now, no oil spill has been reported.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued an alert, warning the public to avoid approaching or touching any cargo that may wash ashore, given the presence of potentially hazardous materials.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the ship’s initial tilt and subsequent sinking. The incident highlights the potential environmental risks associated with maritime transport and the importance of rapid response capabilities.

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