India Issues Alert Following Capsizing of Hazardous Cargo Ship

The Indian Coast Guard is working to contain the environmental threat posed by a cargo ship that sank in the Arabian Sea, spilling potentially harmful substances.

Authorities in Kerala, India, have sounded an alert following the capsizing of a Liberian-flagged cargo ship carrying hazardous materials, which sank off the coast near Kochi. This incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised concerns due to the vessel's significant cargo, including 13 containers of hazardous substances and large amounts of diesel and furnace oil.

While all 24 crew members have been safely rescued, reports indicate that some of the ship's 640 containers are drifting towards shore, prompting precautionary evacuations in local communities. Given the rich biodiversity along the coastline and its importance as a tourist destination, officials are particularly worried about the potential health risks to residents and marine life due to the oil and other pollutants.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office warned that the oil slick could affect the entire Kerala coast and urged local residents to avoid contact with the containers and any oil that may wash ashore. Fishermen have also been advised to stay clear of the capsized vessel as a safety measure.

To address this environmental emergency, the Indian Coast Guard has intensified its pollution control operations. They have deployed specialized equipment to contain the spill and are conducting aerial surveys of the area using aircraft equipped with oil spill detection systems.

The ship, MSC ELSA 3, was making its journey from Vizhinjam port to Kochi when it began to capsize approximately 38 nautical miles from the coast, ultimately sinking due to flooding in one compartment. This is a developing story as authorities continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to safeguard both the environment and public health in the region.