šØ Kerala Coast on High Alert as Containers from Sunken Ship Wash Ashore! š³ļøš
- MediaFx
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
TL;DR š§¾
A Liberian cargo ship, MSC Elsa 3, sank off the Kochi coast, releasing over 640 containers, including hazardous materials, into the Arabian Sea.Ā Several containers have washed ashore in Kollam and Alappuzha districts, prompting evacuations and environmental concerns.Ā Authorities are on high alert, urging the public to avoid contact with the containers due to potential risks.
š What Happened?
On May 25, 2025, the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a severe 26-degree tilt and eventually capsized approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of KochiĀ . The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials like calcium carbide, and substantial quantities of diesel and furnace oil.
All 24 crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast GuardĀ .
šØ Containers Washing Ashore
Since the sinking, several containers have drifted ashore along the Kerala coast:
Kollam District: Eight containers have been found along the coast, including areas like Cheriyazheekal and NeendakaraĀ .
Alappuzha District: Additional containers have been spotted, raising concerns about potential hazardsĀ .
Some containers were found open and empty, while others' contents remain unknown.Ā Authorities are cautioning the public to maintain a safe distance and report any sightings.
ā ļø Environmental and Safety Concerns
The incident poses significant environmental risks:
Oil Spill: The ship carried over 450 metric tonnes of marine fuel, leading to an oil spill that threatens marine ecosystems and local fisheriesĀ .
Hazardous Materials: Containers with calcium carbide can react with water to produce flammable acetylene gas, posing fire and explosion risksĀ .
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and Customs Department have issued warnings, advising residents to stay at least 200 meters away from any floating debris and to report them immediately.
š”ļø Response and Precautions
Authorities have taken several measures:
Evacuations: Residents near areas where containers have washed ashore are being relocated as a precautionĀ .
Monitoring: Rapid Response Teams and Customs officials are monitoring the coastline to manage the situation and prevent unauthorized access to the containers.
Public Advisory: The public is urged not to touch or open any containers and to report sightings to emergency services by calling 112.
š§ MediaFx Opinion
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in our maritime safety protocols and the potential environmental disasters that can arise from inadequate regulations.Ā The working class, especially fishermen and coastal communities, bear the brunt of such disasters, facing threats to their livelihoods and health.Ā It's imperative for authorities to implement stricter safety measures and ensure accountability from shipping companies to prevent future occurrences.
