Kerala is on high alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off its coast, sparking environmental concerns and public safety warnings. With containers now washing ashore and the ship reportedly carrying hazardous materials, state authorities are bracing for the risk of an oil spill or chemical leak. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have ramped up their surveillance, and residents have been advised to avoid coastal areas and not touch foreign objects that may drift in.
Ship capsizes with hazardous cargo onboard
The incident occurred over the weekend when the MSC-operated vessel, carrying 640 containers, experienced a severe 26-degree tilt to the starboard side — a critical shift that eventually led to its capsizing. The ship was transporting 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel, 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, and several hazardous materials including calcium carbide. Officials warned that calcium carbide can cause serious ecological damage upon contact with seawater, raising concerns over potential chemical contamination along the coastline.
Thankfully, all 24 crew members aboard the ship — comprising one Russian, 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian — were rescued before the situation escalated. Their timely evacuation helped prevent any human casualties, even as the environmental threat looms large.
Coast Guard launches pollution response operation
The Indian Coast Guard swiftly responded by deploying aerial surveillance aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems. Additionally, the Coast Guard ship Saksham, loaded with pollution control gear, has been stationed at the site to monitor and respond to any leakage. According to officials, the aim is to contain the risk of oil or chemical spills before they cause long-term ecological damage.
Meanwhile, containers from the sunken vessel have begun washing ashore, particularly along the southern Kollam coast. Local police have reported at least four containers already onshore, though the total number remains unclear. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with local bodies to ensure public safety.
The Kerala government has urged the public to stay away from the coastline and avoid contact with any unfamiliar objects or containers. Emergency protocols have been activated, and the focus now remains on mitigating environmental risks while securing the impacted coastal zones.
