Incident Overview
On May 25, 2025, the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 capsized approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala, India, while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with unspecified hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts with seawater to release flammable gas. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil in its tanks. All 24 crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Navy.
Environmental Concerns
The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 has raised significant environmental concerns. The release of fuel oil and hazardous materials into the Arabian Sea poses a threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Some containers have already begun washing ashore, prompting authorities to issue warnings to residents and fishermen to avoid the area. The Kerala government has declared a statewide emergency to address the situation.
Response and Mitigation Efforts
The Indian Coast Guard has initiated a multi-agency response to contain the oil spill and mitigate environmental damage. Efforts include deploying ships equipped with pollution control equipment and an aircraft with an oil spill detection system. Rapid Response Teams are working to recover containers and manage shoreline oil mitigation. The Pollution Control Board is coordinating with the Coast Guard and Navy to address underwater oil contamination.
Public Safety Measures
Authorities have advised the public to stay away from the affected coastal areas. Residents are urged not to touch any containers or oil that may wash up on the shore. Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea within a 20-nautical mile radius of the incident site. Evacuation advisories have been issued in Kollam due to potential health and environmental risks.
Conclusion
The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kerala has led to a significant environmental emergency. While the immediate threat to human life has been mitigated with the safe rescue of all crew members, the long-term ecological impact remains a concern. Ongoing response efforts aim to contain the spill and prevent further damage to the marine environment.
