India Works to Control Oil Spill After Ship Sinks Off Kerala Coast

BENGALURU – Indian Coast Guard teams are working urgently to contain an oil spill after a cargo ship sank off the southern coast of Kerala on Sunday, the state government reported on Monday.

The ship, MSC ELSA 3, which sailed under a Liberian flag and was 184 meters (603 feet) long, sank near the Kerala coast. Fortunately, all 24 crew members on board were safely rescued.

The vessel was transporting 640 containers, including 13 carrying hazardous materials and 12 with calcium carbide – a chemical used in fertilizers and steel production. It also had around 370 tonnes of fuel and oil on board.

Kerala’s government confirmed that the Coast Guard has deployed two ships to stop the oil from spreading in the sea. Additionally, a Dornier aircraft is being used to spray chemicals to break down the oil in the water.

India’s Ministry of Defence stated that the vessel sank due to severe flooding about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. Authorities are worried about the impact on the marine environment, which is known to be sensitive in that region.

Coastal areas have been placed on high alert, and the public is advised not to touch or go near any containers that may have washed ashore.

The incident happened as the ship was traveling between Vizhinjam and Kochi and sent out a distress signal on Saturday before sinking.

4o