Kerala on High Alert as Hazardous Cargo Ship Capsizes

Following the capsizing of a vessel carrying hazardous cargo near Kochi, Kerala's authorities have raised alarms and initiated pollution control measures. All crew members were rescued, but the situation poses risks to both residents and local marine ecosystems.

Authorities in Kerala, India, are on high alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship capsized off the coast, resulting in a significant oil and hazardous material spill. The incident occurred near Kochi on a Sunday, leading to concerns about the impact on both the local environment and the health of nearby residents. All 24 crew members aboard the MSC ELSA 3 were successfully rescued; however, some of the vessel’s 640 containers have reportedly begun drifting toward the shoreline.

The ship had been traveling from Vizhinjam port to Kochi when it began to take on water and capsize approximately 38 nautical miles from shore, ultimately sinking early Sunday morning. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the vessel was carrying 13 containers of hazardous cargo and an additional 12 containers of calcium carbide, known for its dangerous reaction when exposed to seawater. Moreover, it was loaded with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil.

In response to this environmental crisis, local officials have heightened pollution control measures, deploying advanced equipment from the Indian Coast Guard and airborne surveillance systems to assess the extent of the spill. The chief minister's office has advised local residents against coming into contact with any washed-up cargo while fishermen have been warned to keep their distance from the submerged ship.

The coastal region, known for its rich biodiversity and tourism appeal, faces a looming risk as the oil slick has the potential to spread along the entire Kerala coastline. Authorities are working diligently to mitigate impacts on marine life and safeguard public health while ensuring the prompt recovery of the affected area.