Liberian Cargo Ship Capsizes Off Kerala Coast, Environmental Concerns Arise
Incident Overview
A Liberian cargo vessel carrying 640 containers has capsized and sunk in the waters off the coast of Kerala, raising alarms about potential environmental damage. The Coast Guard reported that the MSC ELSA 3 tilted rapidly and submerged on the morning of May 25.
Crew Rescue Operations
According to the statement, the remaining three crew members aboard managed to escape by jumping into the sea, where they were subsequently rescued by the Indian Navy ship INS Sujata. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) dispatched the pollution control vessel 'Saksham' to the site to address any possible oil spill.
Cargo Details and Environmental Risks
Among the 640 containers on board, 13 contained chemically sensitive materials, with 12 filled with calcium carbide. The ICG noted that the ship's tanks held 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil.
Preparedness and Monitoring
Given that Kerala's coastal area is a vital biodiversity hotspot and a significant tourist destination, the Coast Guard has intensified pollution control measures and coordinated with state authorities to manage all potential scenarios. They are utilizing advanced technology from Coast Guard aircraft to assess the situation for any oil leaks, although no spills have been confirmed at this time.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The Liberian container ship, which was transporting marine fuel, had tilted several degrees approximately 38 nautical miles from the Kerala coast, causing some containers to fall into the sea. A spokesperson for the defense reported that another vessel from the owning company has arrived in the area to provide assistance.
Crew Status and Public Advisory
Earlier reports indicated that 21 of the 24 crew members had been rescued, while three remained on the ship as per company instructions. The Coast Guard and Indian Navy vessels are maintaining their positions in the area and monitoring the situation closely. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged the public not to touch any containers or oil that may wash ashore.
Timeline of Events
The MSC ELSA-3 departed from Vizhinjam port for Kochi on Friday. On Saturday, around 1:25 PM, the owning company alerted Indian authorities that the ship had tilted to 26 degrees and required immediate assistance. The Indian Coast Guard coordinated the rescue and relief operations, deploying ships and aircraft near the distressed vessel.
Crew Composition and Potential Hazards
The crew of 24 included one Russian (the captain), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national. According to KSDMA, there is a risk that containers and other chemical substances, including oil, may drift ashore. They also warned that oil slicks could be visible along certain parts of the coast. The Coast Guard confirmed that the ship contained marine gas oil (MGO) and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).