Were All Crew Members Rescued After the Capsizing of a Liberian Ship Off the Kerala Coast?
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Synopsis
In an impressive display of maritime rescue operations, the INS Sujata has saved the remaining crew members of a capsized Liberian ship off Kerala’s coast. Read about the swift action taken to ensure the safety of all crew members and the ongoing assessments to mitigate environmental impact.
Key Takeaways
- INS Sujata successfully rescued all crew members from the capsized ship.
- The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles off Kochi.
- The ship was carrying hazardous materials, prompting environmental concerns.
- The ICG is actively monitoring and managing the situation.
- 21 crew members were rescued earlier, with the last three saved from the sinking vessel.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 25 (NationPress) - In a rapid and commendable rescue operation, the INS Sujata successfully retrieved the last three crew members of a Liberian-flagged container ship that capsized in the Arabian Sea, approximately 38 nautical miles (around 70 km) from the coast of Kochi, Kerala, as confirmed by a statement from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The vessel, which was traveling from Vizhinjam to Kochi, was expected to reach its destination by Saturday evening. Unfortunately, it began taking on water due to flooding in one of its holds, leading to its rapid capsizing in the early hours of May 25, thus triggering an emergency response.
The ICG stated, "The vessel capsized rapidly due to flooding in one of the holds. Three crew members remained on board the abandoned ship and were rescued by the INS Sujata, which had joined the rescue operations last evening." All crew members are now safe. The ICG is currently assessing the incident and providing advisories to state authorities to address any potential environmental impacts or hazards.
This incident followed a warning from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Saturday regarding the risk of hazardous materials spilling into the sea.
The ICG confirmed that the ship, which was carrying marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), lost about 10 containers during the capsizing. These containers contained vital oil substances necessary for maritime operations.
VLSFO, a fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5 percent by mass, is critical for adhering to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 emissions regulations, designed to minimize sulphur pollution in international waters.
Earlier on Saturday, 21 out of 24 crew members were successfully rescued as the ship began to list. The remaining three onboard—the Captain, Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer—initially opted to stay but ultimately had to abandon the sinking vessel.
The ship was approaching its destination at Cochin Port when the emergency unfolded. The ICG and other authorities are diligently monitoring the situation and taking measures to avert further environmental damage from the spill.
Updates regarding the investigation and cleanup operations are anticipated shortly.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight not only the heroic actions of the rescue teams but also the potential environmental hazards posed by such maritime incidents. The Indian Coast Guard's quick response is commendable, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Liberian ship to capsize?
The ship capsized due to flooding in one of its holds, which led to a rapid loss of stability.
How far was the ship from the coast when it capsized?
The ship capsized approximately 38 nautical miles (about 70 km) off the coast of Kochi, Kerala.
What actions are being taken to address environmental concerns?
The Indian Coast Guard is assessing the incident and issuing advisories to state authorities to manage any environmental hazards.
How many crew members were rescued?
A total of 21 out of 24 crew members were rescued, with the last three being saved later by INS Sujata.
What was the cargo of the capsized ship?
The ship was carrying marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), essential for maritime operations.
