Authorities in Kerala, India, have raised an alert following the capsizing of a cargo ship near Kochi that was transporting hazardous materials. The ship, a Liberian-flagged vessel, sank in the Arabian Sea on Sunday, leading to an oil leak in a region known for its biodiversity and tourism. All 24 crew members were safely rescued, but some of the 640 containers on board have started drifting ashore, heightening concerns over potential threats to local health and marine ecosystems.
"An alert has been issued along the Kerala coast as the oil spill could affect a wide area," stated officials from the chief minister's office. Residents are warned against touching any floating debris or oil that may reach the shoreline, while fishermen are advised to stay away from the sunken vessel. In response to the situation, the Indian Coast Guard has dispatched a pollution control ship and an aircraft equipped with oil spill detection technology to manage the leak.
The ill-fated vessel, MSC ELSA 3, encountered trouble around 38 nautical miles from Kochi, ultimately capsizing after flooding affected one of its compartments. It was reported to be carrying 13 containers of hazardous material, and significant quantities of diesel and furnace oil, raising alarms over fire hazards and environmental damage.
