The sinking of the Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3 off Kerala's coast has prompted a statewide emergency due to potential oil and hazardous material spills, threatening marine ecosystems and public safety.
A Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, on Sunday, raising serious environmental concerns. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.
All 24 crew members were safely rescued. However, some containers have begun washing ashore in districts like Kollam and Alappuzha, prompting authorities to issue warnings to the public to avoid contact with any debris.
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed ships and aircraft equipped with pollution control equipment to manage the potential oil spill. Despite these efforts, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board has acknowledged the absence of a comprehensive oil spill contingency plan, highlighting a significant gap in preparedness.
Residents and fishermen are advised to stay clear of the affected areas and report any sightings of drifting containers or oil slicks to the authorities. The situation is being closely monitored as cleanup and containment operations continue.
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