On Monday, Indian authorities launched urgent efforts to contain a growing oil spill off the Kerala coast after a cargo ship sank on Sunday, threatening the region’s delicate marine ecosystem. The Liberian-registered vessel, a 184-meter freighter named MSC ELSA 3, went down approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, carrying hazardous materials and fuel that have raised environmental alarms.
The ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, issued a distress signal on Saturday after encountering severe flooding. All 24 crew members were safely rescued, but the vessel sank with its cargo of 640 containers, including 13 loaded with hazardous substances like calcium carbide, a chemical used in fertilizer and steel production. Additionally, the ship carried around 370 tonnes of fuel and oil, which now poses a significant risk of contamination.
Kerala’s state government reported that the Indian Coast Guard has deployed two ships to contain the oil spill, while a Dornier aircraft is spraying dispersants to break down the oil slick. “The Coast Guard is working tirelessly to limit the environmental impact,” the state government said in a statement, emphasizing the urgency of protecting Kerala’s biodiverse coastal waters.
The sinking has sparked concerns about the potential damage to marine life and coastal communities. Authorities have issued a high alert along the shoreline, urging residents to avoid contact with any containers that may wash ashore. Several containers have already been spotted along the coast, prompting fears of hazardous material leaks.
The cause of the flooding that led to the ship’s sinking remains under investigation. Meanwhile, environmental experts are closely monitoring the situation, warning that the spill could disrupt fishing activities and harm the region’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its pristine beaches and marine biodiversity.
Local officials have assured the public that containment efforts are ongoing, with additional resources being mobilized to prevent further ecological damage. The incident underscores the challenges of managing maritime accidents involving hazardous cargo in environmentally sensitive areas.
