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India Gazette
26-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Kerala: Containers from sunk Liberian vessel spotted on Kollam coast
Kollam [Kerala], May 26 (ANI): Eight containers from the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the Kochi coast on May 25 due to flooding, were spotted on the Kollam coast on Monday. Red containers were seen washed ashore amidst the rocky shores and turbulent waters, highlighting potential environmental and navigational hazards. Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Coast Guard stated that the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. It further added that the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks, and the ICG had activated 'comprehensive Pollution Response preparedness' to address all possible scenarios of oil spillage. The ICG also added that all the 24 crew members were rescued in a joint effort by the ICG and the Indian Navy. 'All 24 crew members' ex Liberian-flagged container Vessel MSC ELSA 3 were rescued safely, 21 by the India Coast Guard & 3 by the Indian Navy Ship Sujata after the vessel sank off Kochi this morning. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks. ICG has activated comprehensive Pollution Response preparedness and is working in close coordination with the State administration to address all possible scenarios. ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting aerial assessment of the affected area,' the ICG stated on X. The vessel's sinking on May 25 has raised concerns about pollution, leading to intensified efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, as detailed by Indian Navy PRO Athul Pillai on Sunday. According to Pillai, the two ICG ships, Saksham and Samarth, are now focused on mitigating potential ecological damage, with a Dornier aircraft assisting in surveillance, as the vessel remains a concern for maritime pollution. 'Two of the Coast Guard ships are involved in the pollution response activities. The ship has been changed into a pollution response configuration. One of the ships, Saksham, is already in the area. The other ship, Samarth, will proceed to the area to augment the pollution response activities. The Indian Coast Guard Dornier is also on task for the pollution response activities,' Pillai stated. By late Saturday night, 21 of the 24 crew, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, had been rescued. Three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage arrangements. However, the vessel's condition deteriorated overnight, and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata. (ANI)
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Liberian cargo ship sinks: Kerala declares emergency as major oil spill feared — Top developments
Liberian cargo ship sinks: Kerala declares emergency as major oil spill feared (Picture credit: X/@SpokespersonMoD) NEW DELHI: The Kerala government on Sunday declared a statewide emergency after a Liberian container ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, capsized and sank off the state's coast, triggering fears of a major ecological disaster. Statewide alert issued Following a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary A Jayathilak, Kerala issued a statewide alert, warning coastal districts of potential environmental damage. Fishermen have been asked to stay ashore, and the public has been told not to touch or approach any drifting containers or oil slicks that may wash ashore. 'Maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres and inform the emergency number 112,' read the official note. Entire crew rescued All 24 crew members aboard were rescued, 21 by the Indian Coast Guard and 3 by Indian Navy's INS Sujata. According to Navy PRO Athul Pillai, the final three were rescued on Sunday morning after the vessel became too dangerous to remain aboard. 'If they stayed put more, it was a danger for them,' he said, adding the rescue was carried out amid high winds and floating debris. Oil spill threat As per PTI, the ship had 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil in its tanks. Some of this has already begun leaking into the sea. The fuel is drifting at around 3 km per hour, raising fears it may reach Kerala's sensitive coastline. The Indian Coast Guard confirmed a 'significant oil leak' and has deployed ICGS Saksham, Samarth, and a Dornier aircraft with oil dispersants to contain the spill. Hazardous cargo on board According to ANI, the vessel was carrying 12 containers of calcium carbide, a substance that reacts violently with seawater, producing highly flammable acetylene gas. This cargo poses a serious risk to marine life and coastal communities. Pollution response underway The Coast Guard, leading pollution response efforts, is operating under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, directly overseen by its director general. Surveillance aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting assessments. 'We are fully geared to respond to the emerging scenario,' the ICG said. Public urged to stay vigilant The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned that oil films or debris may appear along coastal areas. 'There is a possibility that the containers and the oil can reach the state's coast,' said KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, as quoted by TOI. Locals have been urged to report any sightings to police. Salvage efforts being explored Before the ship sank, salvage operations were being planned, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. The vessel, which had departed Vizhinjam on May 23 and was en route to Kochi, began listing dangerously on May 24 afternoon. A Defence PRO confirmed some containers had already fallen into the sea by Saturday evening. Sensitive ecosystem at risk The Kerala coast is home to rich biodiversity and is a key tourist destination. Authorities are bracing for the worst-case scenario, especially for districts like Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha, which could face the brunt of the pollution. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as containment operations intensify.
