Thiruvananthapuram, May 29, 2025 — The Kerala government has officially declared the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 a state-specific disaster, citing significant environmental, social, and economic implications.
🚢 Incident Overview
On May 25, 2025, the MSC ELSA 3 capsized approximately 14.6 nautical miles off the coast of Thottappalli in Alappuzha district. The vessel, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a severe list due to a mechanical failure in its ballast water management system, leading to a complete power blackout and eventual sinking. All 24 crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
⚠️ Environmental Impact
The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide. Additionally, the vessel had approximately 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of fuel oil on board. The incident has raised concerns over potential oil spills and the drifting of hazardous cargo, including plastic pellets known as ‘nurdles,’ which have been found along the Thiruvananthapuram coast.
🛡️ Response Measures
- The Indian Coast Guard initiated a full-scale pollution response operation, deploying ships and aircraft to contain the oil spill using dispersants.
- A high-level expert panel, including international specialists, has been formed to guide clean-up operations and assess environmental damage.
- Fishing activities have been banned within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the wreck site, and advisories have been issued to coastal communities regarding debris handling.
- The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has mobilized rapid response teams and pre-positioned oil containment equipment at strategic coastal locations.
- The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a study to assess changes in the marine environment following the shipwreck.
🔥 Safety Concerns
During the removal of a container that had washed ashore in Kollam, a fire broke out, reportedly due to thermocol insulation inside the container. The blaze was promptly controlled by fire and rescue services.
- Information Sources:
- The New Indian Express, Samayam Malayalam
- Seatrade Maritime, The Times of India
- Down To Earth
- Mathrubhumi@mathrubhumi
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of May 29, 2025. Readers are advised to refer to official announcements from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and other relevant authorities for the most current updates and advisories.
