THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 25— A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC Elsa 3, sank off the Kerala coast on Saturday, triggering fears of environmental damage after 640 containers, including 13 hazardous ones, were lost into the sea. The ship, which had departed Vizhinjam Port for Kochi, had tilted by 26 degrees before taking on water and sinking.
A total of 24 crew members were on board—one Russian, two Ukrainians, one Georgian, and 20 Filipinos. While 21 were rescued earlier, the remaining three were saved under dangerous conditions by INS Sujata, an Indian Navy vessel. All crew members are reported safe.
Inspector General Bhisham Sharma of the Coast Guard (Western region) confirmed that several containers were seen floating and could pose serious risks to passing vessels and coastal communities. “Some containers may wash ashore. We have issued advisories and are coordinating with the state,” he said.
The ship was carrying hazardous materials, including 12 containers of calcium carbide and 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel, raising concerns about a possible oil spill and chemical contamination.
So far, no oil spill has been reported, but aircraft with oil spill mapping technology have been deployed to monitor the situation. The Coast Guard has ramped up pollution response preparedness, and the Kerala chief secretary is holding emergency meetings to assess risks.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned the public against touching any cargo or oil that may wash ashore. It urged immediate reporting to the police of any such sightings.
Meanwhile, a second ship from the Liberian company is en route to the site for support, and authorities are evaluating whether MSC Elsa 3 can be salvaged or towed.
