A major shipwreck off the Kerala coast has sparked serious environmental concerns, even as port authorities continue to deny the occurrence of an oil spill. The Liberia-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank about 38 nautical miles from the shore while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, carrying 640 containers—including 13 with hazardous materials, 12 with calcium carbide, and large quantities of diesel and furnace oil.
Although all 24 crew members were safely rescued, the potential threat posed by the ship’s cargo has alarmed local communities. The Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation has demanded full transparency on the contents of the sunken vessel, warning of serious consequences if pollutants leak into the ocean.
Authorities maintain there is no visible oil spill, but the Indian Coast Guard has deployed pollution control ships and aircraft as a precaution. In the wake of the incident, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered a coastal cleanup operation, especially targeting plastic debris washing ashore in Thiruvananthapuram. Emergency meetings with coastal district collectors have also been held to streamline communication and response.
As public anxiety grows, the Fishermen’s Union continues to push for clarity and immediate action to prevent any ecological damage that could endanger marine life and coastal livelihoods.
