Authorities in Kerala are grappling with the aftermath of an unfortunate maritime incident that has left the local coast on high alert. The Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3 sank on 25 May 2024 while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, releasing hazardous cargo into the Arabian Sea.
Details of the Incident
The colossal 184-metre container ship, which was carrying 640 containers, encountered distress about 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. Fortunately, all 24 crew members were rescued by Indian Navy and Coast Guard personnel. The crew hailed from various countries, including Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines.
Environmental Concerns
With 370 tonnes of fuel aboard, fears of an oil spill loomed large. Although no immediate spill was reported, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is taking extraordinary precautions.
- Deployment of two ships to block the oil.
- A Dornier aircraft is spraying oil-abating powder on the slick.
- Local fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the sea.
Additionally, current efforts focus on monitoring washing up cargo containers, which include 13 deemed ‘hazardous’ and specifically 12 containers holding calcium carbide—an important chemical for various industries including fertiliser production and steelmaking.
Community Response
Authorities in the Kollam region have urged residents to prepare to evacuate to safer locations. The fishing community, already vulnerable to such incidents, faces further risks as the environmental health of the waters is jeopardised.
As the situation evolves, officials are closely monitoring the impacts both on the environment and on local livelihoods, drawing lessons from similar incidents in years past.
For further updates, keep an eye on announcements from the Kerala chief minister’s office and the Indian Coast Guard.