Authorities in India's southern Kerala state are currently on high alert following the capsizing of a cargo ship carrying oil and hazardous materials near Kochi city. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has led to significant marine pollution concerns as authorities mobilize to address the situation.
The ship, identified as MSC ELSA 3, sank about 38 nautical miles from Kochi, ultimately leading to a leak of oil and other hazardous substances from its cargo. Although all 24 crew members have been safely rescued by the Indian Navy, approximately 640 containers from the vessel have reportedly started to drift towards the shore, resulting in evacuations along the coastal area.
The coastal stretch of Kerala is known for its rich biodiversity and attracts numerous tourists, which raises further alarm for local health and marine ecology. "As the oil slick can potentially affect the entire Kerala coast, we have issued a comprehensive alert," a statement from the chief minister's office highlights.
Authorities have advised local residents, especially those living near the shoreline, to refrain from touching any of the containers or oil that may wash ashore, while fishermen have been instructed to avoid the vicinity of the sunken ship. In response to the spill, officials have ramped up pollution control measures, deploying ships equipped for oil spill management to the site.
Furthermore, the Indian Coast Guard has dispatched an aircraft designed for oil spill detection to monitor the affected area closely. The MSC ELSA 3 had also been carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil at the time it capsized, as well as 13 containers of hazardous cargo and 12 containers filled with calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts with water to produce flammable gas.
The situation continues to unfold, as efforts to contain the environmental impact remain a top priority for local authorities and the Coast Guard.
The ship, identified as MSC ELSA 3, sank about 38 nautical miles from Kochi, ultimately leading to a leak of oil and other hazardous substances from its cargo. Although all 24 crew members have been safely rescued by the Indian Navy, approximately 640 containers from the vessel have reportedly started to drift towards the shore, resulting in evacuations along the coastal area.
The coastal stretch of Kerala is known for its rich biodiversity and attracts numerous tourists, which raises further alarm for local health and marine ecology. "As the oil slick can potentially affect the entire Kerala coast, we have issued a comprehensive alert," a statement from the chief minister's office highlights.
Authorities have advised local residents, especially those living near the shoreline, to refrain from touching any of the containers or oil that may wash ashore, while fishermen have been instructed to avoid the vicinity of the sunken ship. In response to the spill, officials have ramped up pollution control measures, deploying ships equipped for oil spill management to the site.
Furthermore, the Indian Coast Guard has dispatched an aircraft designed for oil spill detection to monitor the affected area closely. The MSC ELSA 3 had also been carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil at the time it capsized, as well as 13 containers of hazardous cargo and 12 containers filled with calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts with water to produce flammable gas.
The situation continues to unfold, as efforts to contain the environmental impact remain a top priority for local authorities and the Coast Guard.
