Kerala is on high alert after the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 sank in the Arabian Sea, approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast between Vizhinjam and Kochi on Sunday, May 26, 2025. The vessel, carrying 640 containers—including hazardous materials, calcium carbide, 84 tonnes of diesel, and 367 tonnes of furnace oil—has sparked serious environmental concerns as several containers have begun washing ashore. While all 24 crew members were safely rescued, authorities fear a major oil and chemical spill that could devastate marine life and coastal livelihoods. The Indian Coast Guard has launched an emergency pollution control operation, deploying ships and aircraft to prevent further spread. The Kerala government has declared a state of emergency, urging the public, especially in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram, to avoid coastal areas. Environmental experts warn of a disaster comparable to the 2017 Chennai oil spill, with the spill currently drifting at a rate of 3 km per hour. Evacuation orders may follow if the situation deteriorates. This is a developing crisis, and officials are closely monitoring for further escalation.
