Kerala on high alert after Liberian cargo ship capsizes; containers wash ashore, hazardous spill risk looms
PTC Web Desk: Kerala remains on alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off its coast on Sunday, prompting emergency measures amid fears of a hazardous spill. Several containers from the vessel have already begun washing ashore near Kollam, raising public safety and environmental concerns.
The Kerala government has declared a state of high alert following the maritime incident. Officials confirmed that the sunken vessel was transporting dangerous materials, including calcium carbide, along with large quantities of diesel and furnace oil, which pose a serious threat if leaked into the marine ecosystem. Residents have been strictly warned not to approach or touch any objects along the coastline and to report sightings to authorities immediately.
The local authorities in southern Kollam reported that containers from the sunken ship have started appearing on the beaches. According to initial observations, at least four containers have been found so far, though the total number remains uncertain as tides may continue bringing debris ashore.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has ramped up surveillance operations. “ICG aircraft fitted with advanced oil spill detection technology are patrolling the area, while ICG ship Saksham, equipped for pollution response, is stationed at the site,” stated an official ICG communication. The Indian Navy is also on standby as part of precautionary disaster management efforts.
The 24-member crew onboard the vessel—including one Russian, two Ukrainians, one Georgian, and 20 Filipinos—was successfully rescued on Saturday, prior to the complete capsize. The incident occurred after the ship developed a severe 26-degree starboard list, a term describing a dangerous lean to one side.
According to maritime safety officials, the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 367.1 metric tonne of furnace oil and 84.44 metric tonne of diesel. Among the cargo was calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts explosively with water and can cause severe environmental damage if released at sea.
The potential for an ecological disaster remains high as the authorities race against time to assess and contain any leaks or chemical contamination resulting from the sunken cargo.
With coastal ecosystems and public health at risk, Kerala’s disaster management agencies are working in coordination with central maritime and environmental authorities.
- With inputs from agencies
