The underwater salvage operation for the sunken container ship MSC ELSA 3 has commenced on Monday under the supervision of the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and state authorities for onshore and offshore response. The container ship sank 13 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on May 25.
Offshore support vessels Nand Saarthi and Offshore Warrior have been deployed (engaged by T&T Salvage, Singapore) for the removal and dispersal of light oil sheen noticed at the surface. Indian Coast Guard Pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahahari continues to remain deployed near the sunken vessel for monitoring the situation and to deal with any eventuality.
The Emergency Towing Vessel Water Lily has been conducting a multi-beam seabed survey since June 5 at the datum location. The initial phase of the survey has been completed, and data is currently under analysis, with the report expected shortly, said a press release.
The owners and salvours have mobilised the Diving Support Vessel SEAMEC III for deployment on site. The vessel set to reach near the sunken vessel and commence underwater salvage and diving operation.
Container salvage efforts by Marine Emergency Response Services (MERC, Gujarat) along the shoreline have seen continued progress. The MSC and the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club insurer of the vessel had appointed the firm MERC for removal of containers and other shore line clean-up activities. Till date a total of 51 containers out of 61 washed ashore have been successfully recovered and delivered to port, while the remaining 10 containers are currently under active salvage. None of the 61 containers washed ashore had any hazardous substances.
Shoreline clean-up operations for the plastic nurdles washed ashore along Trivandrum and Kanyakumari coasts are progressing steadily.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping has reiterated that there have been no reports of oil pollution along the shoreline till date and necessary response equipment remains on standby as a precautionary measure. The DGS continue to monitor the situation closely through coordination meetings every day and remains committed to ensuring swift, safe, and environmentally responsible operations in collaboration with all stakeholders.
