India’s southern state of Kerala is on high alert following the sinking of a Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC Elsa 3, off its coast. The 184-meter vessel, en route to Kochi from Vizhinjam, issued a distress call on Saturday before going down in the Arabian Sea.
All 24 crew members — including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines — were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that produces highly flammable acetylene gas upon contact with water. Additionally, the ship was loaded with over 84 metric tons of diesel and 367 metric tons of furnace oil — both classified as toxic marine pollutants.
Authorities fear potential environmental damage as strong sea currents could push leaked substances toward Kerala’s Alleppey and Kollam districts, which are vital fishing zones. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned of possible cargo and oil washing ashore.
The Coast Guard has deployed aircraft with advanced oil spill detection systems. While no spill has been reported yet, experts warn of lasting ecological risks requiring long-term monitoring.
