A cargo ship carrying hazardous materials capsized near Kochi, Kerala, prompting evacuations and heightened alerts as authorities scramble to mitigate environmental damage from an oil spill.
Kerala on High Alert as Hazardous Cargo Ship Capsizes
Kerala on High Alert as Hazardous Cargo Ship Capsizes
Indian authorities brace for environmental impact following the sinking of a vessel carrying dangerous materials off Kochi's coast.
Authorities in Kerala, India, have raised an alarm following the capsizing of a Liberian-registered cargo ship off the coast of Kochi in the Arabian Sea. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in a significant oil spill and leakage of hazardous materials, raising concerns for both public health and local marine ecosystems. All 24 crew members were successfully rescued, yet reports indicate that some containers from the ship, identified as MSC ELSA 3, are drifting ashore, leading to evacuations in the vicinity.
The coastal region is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a popular tourist attraction. In response to the unfolding situation, authorities have issued warnings advising residents near the coastline to refrain from approaching any containers or oil that may wash up. Fishermen are also being urged to steer clear of the area around the sunken ship.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s office stated, “An alert has been declared as the oil slick has the potential to spread along the entire Kerala coastline.” Officials have reported that pollution control measures are actively being implemented to mitigate the impact of the spill. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed specialized vessels equipped for pollution control and dispatched reconnaissance aircraft to assess the extent of the spill.
The MSC ELSA 3 was transporting a total of 640 containers, including 13 holding hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, which poses additional risks due to its chemical reaction with seawater. The ship's capsizing was attributed to flooding in one of its compartments, occurring approximately 38 nautical miles from Kochi. As the situation develops, local authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to protect both residents and marine life from potential threats posed by the hazardous spill.
