India, May 25 -- A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC Elsa 3, capsized early Sunday morning off the coast of Kerala following severe flooding in one of its cargo holds, prompting a massive rescue and environmental response effort.

The 184-metre vessel, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was en route from Vizhinjam Port to Kochi when it began listing sharply on May 24 due to inclement weather. The situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing 21 of the 24 crew members to abandon ship. Rescue operations conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and passing vessels saved all personnel onboard.

Nine crew members were rescued Saturday by the Singapore-based vessel Han Yi, while 12 others were recovered by the Coast Guard ship Arnvesh. T...