Kochi, India, 26 May 2025 — India’s coastguard swiftly responded on Monday to contain an oil spill after the container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank off Kerala’s southern coast. The vessel, carrying hazardous cargo, went down on Sunday, triggering environmental concerns for the sensitive marine ecosystem in the area.
Container Ship Sinks with Hazardous Cargo
The Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3, a 184-meter freight ship, sank approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi due to flooding. The ship was en route between the Indian ports of Vizhinjam and Kochi when it encountered trouble on Saturday and sent a distress signal. Authorities successfully rescued all 24 crew members.
MSC ELSA 3 carried 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide—a chemical used in fertilizer and steel production. The vessel also held about 370 tonnes of fuel and oil, which are now leaking into the sea, posing a serious environmental threat.
Coastguard and State Actions to Contain Spill
Kerala’s state government reported that the coastguard deployed two ships to prevent the oil from spreading further. Additionally, the coastguard used a Dornier aircraft to spray dust aimed at breaking down the oil on the water surface. The authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to minimize ecological damage.
Officials have warned local residents not to touch or approach any containers that have washed ashore. Coastal areas remain sensitive as efforts continue to contain the spill and protect marine life.
Environmental Impact and Precautions
India’s defence ministry emphasized the risk to Kerala’s fragile marine ecosystem from the sinking ship and the leaking oil. Immediate containment efforts aim to limit damage to marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism.
Authorities continue their cleanup operations while investigating the exact cause of the flooding that sank the MSC ELSA 3. As the situation develops, India intensifies efforts to contain the oil spill off Kerala’s coast and safeguard the environment.
