Low Sulphur Fuel Leak Off Kerala Coast After Ship Tilts, Public Urged To Stay Away
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The vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), both of which pose environmental risks if spilled into the sea
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Saturday issued a public warning after dangerous cargo, including oil and containers, fell into the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. The cargo is believed to have come from a container vessel that developed a serious tilt and is currently under rescue and salvage operations.
KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, in a voice note shared with media, said the information about the fallen cargo was received from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). He warned the public not to go near or touch any containers or materials that may wash up on shore, and instead, report such sightings immediately to the police.
'There is a chance the cargo, including containers and oil, will wash ashore. The public, if they see such cargo, should not go near it or touch it and should inform the police immediately," Kuriakose said.
He also said that there is a possibility of oil films forming along certain coastal areas due to the spill. The Coast Guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), both of which pose environmental risks if spilled into the sea.
The vessel in question is MSC ELSA 3, a Liberia-flagged container ship that developed a dangerous list (tilt) of 26 degrees about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said it received a distress alert from the vessel and immediately began rescue and monitoring operations.
According to the ICG, the vessel had departed from Vizhinjam Port on 23 May and was en route to Kochi, with an expected arrival on 24 May. Of the 24 crew members onboard, 21 have been safely rescued so far. To support the ongoing evacuation, Indian Coast Guard aircraft have dropped additional liferafts near the listing vessel.
'DG Shipping, in coordination with #ICG, has issued urgent directives to the ship's managers to initiate salvage operations to stabilize the vessel and avert further risks," the ICG stated.
The Coast Guard further added that the rescue ships remain in the area, and aircraft are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
'ICG continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and to prevent any environmental damages," it added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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