The Indian Navy rescued the remaining three crew members of the sunken Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 in the early hours of 25 May 25. Based on the distress alert raised by the vessel on 24 May 25, about 38 nm South West of Kochi, the Southern Naval Command promptly deployed INS Sujata with requisite life saving gears, rescue and salvage equipment. Local Coast Guard authorities at Kochi were also alerted about the incident, and diverted their assets at sea. To further augment the rescue efforts, INS Satpura was also diverted towards the vessel. The 184 m long vessel had made a port call at Vizhinjam harbour earlier and was scheduled to arrive Kochi port on 24 May 25, when it developed a list of 26 degrees.
In the late evening of 24 May 25, 21 out of the 24 crew were rescued by Indian Coast Guard. The remainining three crew members remained onboard the vessel for salvage operations. Both the Naval ships maintained in close vicinity of vessel to provide immediate support and assistance.
At about 0815h on 25 May 25, a sudden shift in the containers accompanied by rapid listing of the vessel was observed. INS Sujata swiftly deployed it's rescue boat and the remainining crew members (Master, Chief Engineer and Second Engineer) were successfully rescued. They were provided immediate medical attention and kept under observation onboard. INS Sujata returned harbour with the rescued crew who were later handed over to state authorities for further formalities. The contingency due to the sinking of the vessel is being closely assessed in coordination with Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders. All assistance is being provided to Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and state agencies to monitor the drift of floating debris and containers of the vessel.
