A Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the southwestern coast of India on May 25, prompting fears of an oil spill that could impact Kerala's coastline.

The vessel, carrying 640 containers, including hazardous materials, capsized 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi due to flooding in one of its holds.

According to India's Ministry of Defence, all crew members were safely rescued: 21 by the India Coast Guard, and 3 by INS Sujata.

The agency said the vessel, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, was carrying 640 containers (including 13 hazardous cargo and 12 calcium carbide containers), along with 84.44 MT diesel and 367.1 MT furnace oil.

The MSC Elsa 3 developed a 26-degree starboard list while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, the ministry said. The container ship began to sink due to flooding in one of its holds.

Authorities are racing to contain potential environmental damage but as of Sunday morning, no oil spill has been reported.

"ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology is undertaking assessment of the situation," India's Ministry of Defence said on X.

It added that the Indian Coast Guard has activated comprehensive pollution response preparedness and working in close coordination with State administration to address all possible scenarios.

"Indian Coast Guard aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting aerial assessment of the affected area," the Indian Coast Guard said.