Hazardous ship sinking in Kerala: Authorities in Kerala have issued a hgh alert after a cargo ship carrying hazardous materials capsized off the coast of Kochi in the Arabian Sea. The Liberian-flagged vessel, MSC ELSA 3, was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it began tilting dangerously. It sank early Sunday, about 38 nautical miles from the shore, due to flooding in one of its compartments.
Indian Coast Guard Deploys Pollution Control After Hazardous Ship Incident in Kerala
All 24 crew members were rescued safely in a joint operation by the Indian Navy. However, the ship was carrying 640 containers. Among them were 13 with hazardous chemicals and 12 containing calcium carbide. This substance releases flammable gas when it reacts with seawater.
The vessel also held large quantities of fuel. It carried 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. The oil spill has started spreading, raising alarms about environmental and health risks.
Hazardous ship sinking in Kerala: Some containers are drifting toward the Kerala coastline. This has prompted precautionary evacuations in several areas. Authorities have warned residents to avoid touching any stray containers or oil residue that may wash ashore.
In response, the Indian Coast Guard has deployed a pollution control vessel and aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems to monitor and contain the environmental threat. Officials have intensified coastal surveillance and cleanup efforts to limit the spread of oil and toxic materials.
The biodiverse coastline of Kerala, known for its rich marine life and popular beaches, now faces a significant ecological risk. Fishermen have been advised to avoid areas near the wreck site as containment operations continue.
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