Kerala: A major environmental alert has been issued along Kerala’s coast after a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3, capsized in the Arabian Sea, leaking oil and hazardous materials.
The vessel, which was en route from Vizhinjam port to Kochi, began tilting dangerously before sinking around 38 nautical miles off the coast. Authorities say the ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that releases flammable gas when it comes in contact with seawater.
Though all 24 crew members were rescued in a dramatic hours-long operation by the Indian Navy, officials have raised concerns over an emerging environmental crisis. Several containers are reportedly drifting toward the coast, initiating evacuation efforts in nearby areas.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s office guaranteed that an alert has been issued across the state’s entire coastline. The stretch, known for its ecological richness and tourism importance, is now under threat from oil and chemical leaks.
Authorities have instructed residents to avoid touching any containers or oil that may wash ashore. Fishermen have also been advised to steer clear of the wreck site until further notice.
The Indian Coast Guard has stepped up pollution control measures, deploying a ship equipped with cleanup tools and an aircraft with an oil spill detection system to monitor the area. The vessel was reportedly carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. Efforts are ongoing to contain the spill and prevent widespread damage to marine life and coastal residents.
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