Cargo Containers from Capsized Liberian Ship Wash Ashore in Kerala, Sparking Chemical Leak Fears
Cargo containers from a Liberian ship that sank off the Kerala coast have begun washing ashore in Kollam district, raising fears of potential chemical leaks. Revenue and police authorities have cordoned off affected areas and advised extreme caution, as some containers might hold hazardous and inflammable materials. The exact number of containers washed ashore is unknown, and efforts are underway to manage the situation and assess environmental risks.
Unpacked:
The sunken MSC ELSA 3 carried 640 containers, including 13 with dangerous materials such as calcium carbide, diesel, and furnace oil. Calcium carbide can react with water to release acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide, increasing water alkalinity and harming aquatic ecosystems. Oil and fuel leaks threaten marine life and coastal habitats.
Authorities have cordoned off affected areas and warned the public to avoid washed-up cargo. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have mobilized pollution response equipment and rescue vessels, conducting aerial and marine surveillance to monitor for oil spills and manage debris. Environmental impact assessments and containment efforts are ongoing.
The incident could disrupt fishing activities, particularly affecting artisanal fishers. Leaked chemicals and oil threaten sensitive marine species and may harm marine productivity, especially during the monsoon breeding season. Long-term effects could damage fisheries and coastal livelihoods if contamination spreads.
While such incidents are rare in Kerala, similar shipwrecks elsewhere, like the 2020 Wakashio spill off Mauritius, caused long-lasting contamination of sediments and mangroves. Recovery can take years and often requires extensive environmental remediation and monitoring to rehabilitate marine and coastal ecosystems.