A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers including 13 with hazardous materials, sank off the Kerala coast early Sunday morning, causing a significant oil spill and prompting a statewide emergency alert. The incident has raised environmental and safety concerns for the ecologically rich coastline and its residents.
The ship, which had departed from Vizhinjam port on Friday and was headed to Kochi, began listing sharply on Saturday afternoon, eventually capsizing and sinking about 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) confirmed the sinking and reported that all 24 crew members, comprising nationals from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Georgia, have been rescued, with the final three saved by a Navy vessel.
The MSC ELSA 3 was carrying approximately 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks, in addition to hazardous cargo such as calcium carbide, a chemical known to react violently with seawater. The resulting oil leak has created a slick drifting at around three kilometres per hour, leading Kerala authorities to declare a statewide alert.
“The Coast Guard is actively containing the spill using ships and aerial dispersant spraying,” said an official statement. Two Coast Guard ships and a Dornier aircraft equipped with dispersant technology have been deployed to control the spread of oil and minimize environmental damage.
Kerala Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak chaired an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate the response. Authorities have warned fishermen not to venture into the sea within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the sunken vessel, and coastal residents have been urged to avoid touching any unusual floating objects or containers that may wash ashore. Local self-government bodies have been instructed to alert the public and ensure safety precautions.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) cautioned residents that the oil slick and floating containers could reach shorelines, threatening marine life and the fragile ecosystem. They advised the public to maintain a safe distance of at least 200 meters from any such debris and to report sightings immediately to emergency services at number 112.
Efforts to tow the vessel or further contain the spill are ongoing, with additional assistance provided by a company vessel that arrived on site. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain on alert, continuously monitoring the spill and the potential impact on coastal communities and biodiversity.
This incident adds to growing concerns over marine pollution risks along Kerala’s coastline, a region known for its rich biodiversity and tourism significance. Officials continue to emphasize the need for coordinated emergency response and environmental safeguards to mitigate the impact of this disaster.
Sources By Agencies
