MSC ELSA 3 Capsize: A Tragedy Due to Central Government’s Systemic Failures and Distorted Narratives

– Jacob Clint

The capsizing of the MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kochi on May 24, 2025, was undoubtedly a tragic event, and our hearts go out to all those affected. As the LDF government, its immediate priority was, and remains, the safety and well-being of citizens and the swift coordination of rescue efforts. LDF acted decisively and deployed all available state resources to the scene, working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this disaster.

However, as investigations unfold, it is imperative to shine a light on the underlying systemic issues that contributed to this catastrophe. The initial reports and LDF government’s own assessments strongly indicate that the primary responsibility for the MSC ELSA 3 incident lies squarely with the Modi led BJP Government.

Maritime safety, shipping regulations, and the oversight of major commercial vessels fall predominantly under the purview of central authorities. Questions must be raised about the adequacy of their inspection protocols, the efficacy of their regulatory enforcement, and the overall state of their maritime infrastructure. Was the vessel properly vetted? Were all safety standards rigorously applied and monitored by the relevant central agencies? These are critical questions that demand transparent and accountable answers from the Union Government.

We must also address the deeply concerning role of certain media sections, particularly right-wing outlets. Instead of factual reporting and supporting relief, they sensationalized and politicized the crisis, deflecting blame and undermining the Kerala LDF government’s rescue efforts. This irresponsible journalism sowed confusion and hindered the emergency response. The LDF government remains committed to a thorough, impartial investigation, cooperating with inquiries to hold those responsible accountable. Kerala government’s focus remains on coastal safety and people, unwavering against attempts to shift blame or distort facts for political gain.

What Happened: The MSC ELSA 3 Disaster:

The MSC ELSA 3, a medium sized container cargo vessel registered and sailing under Liberian flag, operated and owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, was reportedly anchored off the Kochi coast awaiting clearance for offloading and maintenance. A combination of poor weather conditions and mismanagement of ballast systems including the improper cargo loading reportedly led to its capsizing. Fortunately, due to the crew’s preparedness and the swift action of local rescue teams, a major human tragedy was averted. However, the environmental and economic damages are expected to be extensive, especially considering the ship was carrying various goods and industrial materials.

Why the Central Government is primarily responsible:

In India, ports and international maritime shipping fall under the jurisdiction of the central government, specifically under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The regulation of large vessels, clearance of anchoring locations, issuance of maritime advisories, and enforcement of international maritime safety protocols are centrally governed through agencies like the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)/Port State Control (PSC). Despite repeated warnings over the past few years about lax inspections, outdated standards, and poorly monitored vessel traffic, very little has changed.

Central-level administrative neglect significantly contributed to the MSC ELSA 3 incident, evidenced by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) / Port State Control (PSC) clearing the vessel despite missed safety audits and known ballast system issues. Further failures include the absence of robust, real-time weather advisories from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) during turbulent conditions when the ship entered Kerala waters, and inadequate port safety infrastructure under central authority, raising doubts about proper vessel inspection at entry and the lack of vital tug assistance or monitoring at Kochi Port. This overall inaction highlights a severe neglect of maritime safety modernization, despite long-standing calls from experts, directly contributing to the tragedy.

The LDF Government, while not responsible for the incident itself, demonstrated a swift and effective response

Several national media outlets and political voices were quick to blame the Kerala state government, especially the port authorities and fisheries department, blaming it for poor emergency response and negligence. However, this is both legally incorrect and factually dishonest, which is misleading and politically motivated. The state government is primarily responsible for inland waterways and minor ports, while international and deep-water shipping remains under central control. The state government, although not responsible for maritime regulation, acted swiftly and commendably.

The Kerala LDF government demonstrated a swift and comprehensive response to the MSC ELSA 3 vessel capsizes, focusing on environmental protection, public safety, and supporting affected communities. While the capsize itself was a maritime incident, the government’s role was crucial in mitigating its aftermath and coordinating rescue efforts. Key actions taken by the LDF government include declaring the MSC ELSA 3 wreckage a “state-specific disaster,” convening high-level expert meetings to formulate robust emergency response plans, and activating Rapid Response Teams from relevant departments to manage the threat of drifting cargo containers and potential oil spills. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued urgent public advisories and alerts to coastal residents and fishermen, while the state government collaborated effectively with central agencies like the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy in rescue operations, which successfully saved all 24 crew members. The government also prepared contingency plans for environmental remediation, including underwater cleanup efforts and the mobilization of additional equipment, and announced financial assistance for affected fishing communities. Furthermore, the Kerala government initiated legal proceedings by informing the High Court of its plans to file an admiralty suit against the shipping company to recover compensation for environmental damage, economic losses, and cleanup costs, also forming a special committee to negotiate claim settlements.

Media Sensationalism: A Crisis Mismanaged

While the tragedy unfolded, the role of the mainstream and digital media was largely disappointing, even disgraceful. Rather than focusing on facts, systemic accountability and facilitating relief coordination, several media houses engaged in sensationalize the disaster, spreading misinformation and creating panic by baseless speculation, blame games, and politicization.

The media’s handling of the MSC ELSA 3 incident was marked by several critical failures. Many prominent news outlets were spreading unverified information, reporting contradictory details about casualties, cargo, leaked hazardous substances, and even fabricating sabotage theories, all of which fueled undue panic in coastal communities. There was a clear politicization of the tragedy, with anchors and panelists unfairly blaming the Kerala government without a proper understanding of jurisdictional responsibilities. Furthermore, media coverage largely neglected the significant environmental consequencesof the capsize, such as massive oil spillage and ecological damage, failing to ask crucial questions about environmental safeguards and accountability. This also extended to a lack of accountabilityfrom the media itself, as they failed to question the role of central agencies like the Directorate General of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping, which held the actual responsibility. Lastly, some journalists crossed ethical lines by harassing victims’ families, intruding on their private grief for TRP-driven reporting.

Such conduct erodes public trust in journalism and diverts attention from systemic issues that need fixing. The media should act as a watchdog, not a lapdog for political interests or TRP chasers in times of distress. This irresponsible behavior by media outlets must be condemned. Sensationalism during disasters not only disrespects victims but also obstructs the process of accountability and reform.

Precautions to Prevent Future Maritime Disasters

This incident should be a stark wake-up call for Indian maritime regulatory bodies and the central government, prompting immediate action to prevent future disasters. It’s crucial to strengthen maritime surveillance infrastructure by installing real-time ship monitoring systems at all major ports, equipped with automated alerts for anomalies in ship listing or movement. The IMD must modernize weather alert systems, enhancing regional maritime forecasting and establishing direct communication channels with vessels in Indian waters.

The DG Shipping/Port State Control (PSC) must enforce stringent, regular inspections and certifications, ensuring strict maintenance norms for vessels and permitting only certified ships near the coast, while India simultaneously aligns its maritime laws with global conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine Pollution). It is essential to define clear emergency protocols with well-rehearsed coordination among the Coast Guard, port authorities, and state responders, necessitating the establishment of rapid-response maritime rescue units equipped with modern tools, which central authorities must provide. To protect the environment, critical safeguards include contingency plans for spills and contamination, strict hazardous material protocols, and compulsory emergency containment systems. Finally, public transparency is vital through accessible logs of vessel inspections and violations, and media conduct during disasters must be regulated by bodies like the Press Council of India to ensure ethical reporting, real-time fact verification, and protection of victim privacy.

Conclusion: Accountability, Not Accusation

The MSC ELSA 3 capsizing exposes systemic flaws in India’s maritime regulatory framework. Despite the Kerala LDF government’s swift rescue efforts, central authorities failed in their duties, from advisories and inspections to anchorage monitoring. Instead of addressing these failures, some media outlets sensationalized and politicized the tragedy, undermining LDF government’s effective response. The Central Government must conduct a transparent investigation into technical and administrative lapses, acknowledging our proactive role instead of scapegoating. This tragedy demands comprehensive reforms in ship management, governance, disaster preparedness, and media responsibility, as lives and our environment are too precious to be sacrificed to negligence and misdirection. Without reform and responsible media, such disasters will recur; India’s coasts deserve protection and policy, not just propaganda.