Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks Off Kerala Coast; Crew Rescued Amid Environmental Concerns

A Liberia-flagged container vessel, MSC Elsa 3, sank off the Kerala coast on Saturday, May 24, after departing from Vizhinjam Port, HT reported. The incident prompted swift rescue operations by the Indian Coast Guard, resulting in the successful evacuation of 21 of the 24 crew members onboard. The remaining three crew members stayed aboard to assist with salvage efforts.

The vessel, en route to Kochi, began tilting dangerously approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast, leading to its eventual capsizing. The incident has raised significant environmental concerns due to the potential spillage of hazardous materials into the Arabian Sea.

The ship was reportedly carrying containers with hazardous substances, raising fears of chemical contamination in the marine ecosystem. Local authorities have issued warnings to coastal communities to remain vigilant and avoid approaching any unidentified objects that may wash ashore, the News Minute reported.

This incident underscores the risks associated with maritime transportation of hazardous materials and highlights the need for robust safety protocols and environmental safeguards to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The Indian Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation closely and is coordinating with environmental agencies to assess and mitigate any potential ecological impact.

As investigations proceed, authorities are focusing on determining the exact nature of the hazardous materials involved and implementing measures to prevent further environmental degradation.

The Indian Coast Guard has assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent any long-term environmental consequences. Authorities are also reviewing existing protocols for handling maritime accidents involving hazardous cargo to enhance preparedness for future incidents, reports showed.