Kerala On High Alert: Ship Carrying Hazardous Cargo Capsizes Off Kochi
Authorities in India’s southern state of Kerala have issued a comprehensive alert following the capsizing and subsequent leakage of oil and hazardous materials from a cargo ship off the coast of Kochi. The incident, involving the Liberian-flagged vessel MSC ELSA 3, occurred in the Arabian Sea near the city of Kochi on Sunday, raising significant concerns for both the environment and public safety along the biodiversity-rich coastline.
The MSC ELSA 3, which was en route from Vizhinjam port to Kochi, reportedly began tilting dangerously around 38 nautical miles from the coast. The vessel developed a severe “26-degree starboard list” before ultimately capsizing in the early hours of Sunday morning. The cause of the sinking has been attributed to flooding in one of its compartments.
Hazardous Cargo and Environmental Threat
The sunken ship was carrying a substantial amount of cargo and fuel, posing a serious environmental risk. Officials confirmed the vessel had approximately 640 containers on board. Crucially, this included 13 containers classified as hazardous cargo and 12 containers specifically loaded with calcium carbide. Calcium carbide is particularly worrying as it reacts with seawater to produce a highly flammable gas, creating a potential ecological hazard.
Adding to the threat, the ship’s tanks held significant quantities of fuel: 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and a substantial 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. Leakage of these substances and the contents of hazardous containers could severely impact the delicate marine ecosystem off the Kerala coast, an area vital for its biodiversity and tourism.
Containers Drifting Towards Shore, Public Alert Issued
While all 24 crew members aboard the MSC ELSA 3 were successfully rescued by Indian Navy personnel in a multi-hour operation (comprising one Russian, 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian nationals), the danger has not passed. Reports indicate that some of the ship’s containers have detached and are drifting towards the shoreline, with at least four containers already spotted washing ashore near the southern Kollam coast.
Fearing the potential spread of oil slicks and the washing ashore of hazardous substances or containers along the entire coastline, an alert has been sounded across the entire Kerala coastal belt. Residents living near the sea have been strongly advised not to touch any containers or oil that might wash ashore. Similarly, fishermen have been instructed to avoid venturing too close to the location of the sunken ship to prevent exposure and further disturbance.
Authorities Mobilize Pollution Control Efforts
In response to the developing situation, authorities have intensified pollution control measures. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed specialized resources to the site. The ICG ship Saksham, equipped with pollution response equipment, is actively monitoring the area. Additionally, an ICG aircraft fitted with an advanced oil spill detection system is conducting aerial surveillance to track the movement and extent of any leakage.
The focus remains on mitigating potential environmental damage and ensuring the safety of coastal communities as officials work to contain the spill and manage the risks posed by the sunken hazardous cargo. The situation highlights the critical importance of maritime safety protocols and rapid environmental response capabilities in safeguarding sensitive coastal regions.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd2mr388ypo
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/india-state-alert-ship-carrying-061821366.html
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-on-alert-after-liberian-cargo-ship-sinks-public-asked-to-stay-away-from-the-coast-what-we-know-101748236609077.html
- https://www.winnmediaskn.com/india-state-on-alert-after-ship-carrying-hazardous-cargo-capsizes/
