20 Filipino seafarers rescued after cargo ship capsizes off India

Twenty Filipino seafarers aboard the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3, which capsized off the coast of India, have safely disembarked and are now under the custody of Indian authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.

According to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega, who cited reports from the Filipinos’ licensed manning agency (LMA) on Monday, all 20 Filipino nationals aboard the vessel were accounted for.

12 were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), while eight were assisted by a passing merchant vessel, MV Han Yi.

Seafarers aboard the vessel hail from various regions across the Philippines, including Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas.

The LMA added that they are coordinating with appropriate authorities to ensure that the seafarers “receive appropriate medical attention and are provided with essential clothing and humanitarian support as needed.”

Initial reports stated that MSC ELSA 3, which had 24 crew members onboard, issued a distress call at 8:00 UTC on Saturday. By Sunday, the vessel had completely capsized and now poses an oil spill risk off the coast of Kochi, India.

The Indian Coast Guard reported that the ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.