An oil spill off the coast of Kerala has raised serious concerns for local residents and authorities. The incident occurred when the MSC ELSA 3, a cargo ship, capsized in the Arabian Sea early Sunday morning. This happened about 38 nautical miles from Kochi due to flooding in one of its compartments.
The ship was carrying hazardous materials, including 13 containers of dangerous cargo and 12 containers of calcium carbide. This chemical can react with seawater, producing a flammable gas. Additionally, the vessel had a significant amount of fuel on board, with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.
In response to the spill, Kerala’s Chief Minister’s office issued an alert for the entire coastal region. Residents living near the shore have been warned not to touch any containers or oil that may wash up on the beach. Fishermen are also advised to stay clear of the area where the ship sank.
To manage the situation, the Indian Coast Guard has stepped up its pollution control efforts. They have deployed a ship equipped with pollution control gear to the site of the spill. An aircraft with an oil spill detection system has also been sent to survey the affected area.
Fortunately, the crew members of the MSC ELSA 3 were rescued by Indian Navy personnel after a lengthy operation. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on preventing further environmental damage and ensuring the safety of those living along the coast.