Kerala on High Alert After Cargo Ship Carrying Hazardous Materials Capsizes Off Indian Coast

Indian Coast Guard/Twitter

The southern Indian state of Kerala is on high alert following the capsizing of the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, which sank approximately 70 kilometers off the coast of Kochi on Sunday, May 25th. The vessel was transporting 640 containers, including 13 classified as hazardous, with materials such as calcium carbide, alongside 84.44 tonnes of diesel and 367.1 tonnes of fuel oil.

All 24 crew members on board were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, but the incident has raised serious concerns about environmental contamination. Authorities are particularly alarmed about the potential release of calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts violently with seawater to produce highly flammable acetylene gas.

Efforts are now underway to monitor and contain any possible oil or chemical spills. Aircraft and vessels equipped with detection and containment systems have been deployed by the Indian Coast Guard to assess the situation. Satellite imagery and aerial reconnaissance are also being used to detect slicks or drifting containers.

Residents and fishermen have been warned to stay clear of any washed-up debris or floating containers, as contact with these materials could pose serious health risks. Beaches and coastal zones in affected areas are being closely monitored.

Environmental experts fear that the spill could severely impact Kerala’s rich marine biodiversity and damage its crucial fishing and tourism sectors. State and federal agencies are coordinating emergency response plans to mitigate the threat and protect local ecosystems.

The situation remains critical, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance as investigations continue into the cause of the accident and the extent of environmental damage.