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News18
26-05-2025
- General
- News18
How The Sinking Of A Ship Near Kerala Coast Has Raised Oil Spill Concerns
Last Updated: A cargo ship capsized near a harbour in Alappuzha. It has released diesel and oil into the Arabian Sea, along with chemicals like calcium carbide, raising environmental concerns The sinking of a cargo ship near Kerala coast on May 25 has raised environmental concerns due to its oil and chemical spill. On May 25, Liberian cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, carrying 643 containers—including 13 with hazardous materials—capsized 14.6 nautical miles from Thottappally harbour in Alappuzha, Kerala. The vessel released substantial quantities of diesel and oil into the Arabian Sea, along with hazardous chemicals like calcium carbide. All crew members were safely rescued. 'The three crew have been recovered by INS Sujata, under dangerous circumstances as some more containers have fallen into water and the vessel is further submerged", a Defence PRO said on Sunday morning. How Did The Ship Sink? According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the MSC ELSA 3 vessel capsized rapidly in the early hours of Sunday 'due to flooding in one of the holds". A hold is a section below deck where the cargo is stored. 'The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks," the ICG said in a post on X. The MSC ELSA 3 was a 184-meter-long container ship built in 1997 and operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It had a crew of 24, comprising one Russian (the captain), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian. Oil spills often happen due to ship accidents, offshore drilling, pipeline leaks or illegal dumping or operational discharges from vessels. When oil spills into water, it rapidly spreads. Due to lighter density, it forms a layer over water, obstructing sunlight and disruption photosynthesis in marine plants. What Is The Environmental Impact Of Oil Spills? The immediate aftermath of an oil disaster has effects on fish, sea birds, and other marine animals. Coated in oil, animals can be killed by poisoning or suffocation. Ecological Damage: Oil can also affect food sources for sea life, making it less available or of poorer quality, so even animals that survive the initial environmental hazards may still suffer in the weeks and months following the leak. Oil coats marine animals (birds, fish, mammals), disrupting breathing, movement, and thermoregulation. It's toxic if ingested, damaging organs and reproduction. Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal habitats like Kerala's biodiversity-rich shores can suffer long-term damage. Oil smothers plants and disrupts food chains. Oil impacts breeding and reproduction, for example contaminating bird or turtle nests on shore, affecting viability, and suffocating unhatched chicks. Water Contamination: Oil residues persist, affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Economic Consequences: Fishing bans, like those imposed post-MSC ELSA 3, harm livelihoods. Kerala's fishing communities could face immediate income loss. Tourism: Oil-stained beaches deter tourists, and impacting coastal economies. Clean-up Costs: Clean-up efforts, like those by the Indian Coast Guard using dispersants and booms, are expensive and time consuming. Human Health: Exposure to oil vapours or contaminated seafood can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or long-term health risks. What Are The Biggest Oil Spills In The History? Here are some of the biggest and most devastating oil spills in history, ranked by the volume of oil spilled and their environmental impact: Deepwater Horizon (Gulf Of Mexico, April 20-July 15, 2010): Nearly 206 million gallons, that is, 4.9 million barrels were spilled into the water after the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded, killing 11 workers and releasing oil from an underwater well for 87 days. It remains the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. It devastated Gulf Coast ecosystems, killing thousands of marine animals (e.g., dolphins, turtles), destroying fisheries, and affecting tourism in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. Clean-up costs exceeded $65 billion, with BP paying $20.8 billion in settlements. Gulf War Oil Spill (Persian Gulf, January 19-28, 1991): Iraqi forces deliberately released oil from Kuwait's Sea Island terminal and tankers during the Gulf War to hinder US military operations. Nearly 240-336 million gallons, that is, 6-8 million barrels were spilled into the war. It is the largest intentional oil spill ever. Ixtoc I (Gulf of Mexico, June 3, 1979–March 23, 1980): A blowout at the Pemex-operated Ixtoc I offshore well off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula released 140 million gallons, nearly 3.3 million barrels, oil for 10 months, the longest continuous spill until Deepwater Horizon. top videos View all Atlantic Empress (Off Tobago, July 19, 1979): The Greek tanker Atlantic Empress collided with another ship, Aegean Captain, off Trinidad and Tobago, spilling crude oil that was estimated 88 million gallons. Both ships caught fire, and 27 crew members died. Much of the oil burned or dispersed in the open ocean, reducing coastal damage, but marine life was heavily affected. Amoco Cadiz (Brittany, France, March 16, 1978): The Liberian-registered supertanker ran aground off Brittany during a storm, splitting apart and releasing its entire crude oil cargo. The 68.7 million gallons of oil spilled into the water, devastating 200 miles of French coastline, killing 20,000 seabirds and destroying oyster beds. The clean-up took months and cost around $100 million. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 26, 2025, 10:36 IST News explainers How The Sinking Of A Ship Near Kerala Coast Has Raised Oil Spill Concerns | Explained
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Cargo ship sinks near Kerala coastline: Flammable gas & oil spill threat looms as containers wash ashore; What we know so far
A state of emergency has been declared in Kerala after the MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous materials, capsized off the coast. The Indian Coast Guard is responding to a significant oil leak, while residents are warned about potential debris and oil washing ashore. Authorities are monitoring sensitive ecosystems and preparing for potential pollution impacts on coastal districts. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How did it happen and the rescue ops Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Oil spill threat and Hazardous cargo Pollution response underway Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Public asked to stay alert Amid tourist flow in Kerala, sensitive ecosystem at risk The Kerala government has declared a statewide emergency after the MSC ELSA 3, a Liberian container ship carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous ones, capsized and sank off the state's coast, raising concerns about a potential ecological response to the incident, a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary A Jayathilak resulted in the issuance of a statewide districts have been warned of possible environmental consequences. Fishermen are advised to stay ashore, while the public is cautioned against touching or approaching any drifting containers or oil slicks that may appear on the beaches. The official directive states, 'Maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres and inform the emergency number 112.'Here's what happened and what we know so far:The sinking of the Liberian vessel MSC ELSA 3 occurred on May 25, 2025, after it developed a critical 26-degree tilt, also known as a "starboard list," while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi. The incident began on May 24 when the ship, located approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, lost stability and sent a distress call to Indian vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo such as calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. The situation escalated overnight, leading to the ship were 24 crew members, comprising one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national. Following the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched a rescue operation, successfully rescuing 21 crew members on May 24, while the remaining three crew members were rescued later by INS Sujata after the vessel ship contained 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil in its tanks, with some oil already leaking into the sea. Current estimates suggest the fuel is drifting at approximately 3 km per hour, posing a risk to Kerala's delicate Indian Coast Guard has confirmed a 'significant oil leak' and has deployed vessels such as ICGS Saksham, Samarth, and a Dornier aircraft equipped with oil dispersants to manage the spill.A senior coast guard officer told TOI that it is fully geared up to respond to any emerging situation. "Our operation has just begun. Our next step is the pollution response (PR) operations. All the equipment for pollution have been loaded onto a large vessel. We will be looking at the satellite assessments to form our strategy."Booms and skimmers will be used to contain the spill, according to the officer. "We have various booms which protect and limit the oil spill in a particular area. Then we have the skimmers, which are used when the oil is restricted to one area. Skimmers will remove the oil from the surface of the sea. There are also oil spill dispersants," they vessel was also carrying 12 containers of calcium carbide, a highly reactive substance with seawater that produces flammable acetylene gas. This cargo presents serious threats to both marine life and coastal Indian Coast Guard is spearheading pollution response efforts under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, with oversight from its director general. Surveillance aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology are actively assessing the situation. 'We are fully geared to respond to the emerging scenario,' saud the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned residents that oil films or debris may wash up along the have started washing ashore, police said on Monday. Coastal police said that at least four containers have been found along the southern Kollam member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose urged locals to report any sightings to the police. 'There is a possibility that the containers and the oil can reach the state's coast,' he said Kerala coast is known for its rich biodiversity and is a popular tourist destination. Authorities are preparing for a worst-case scenario, particularly in districts such as Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha, which may be most affected by the impending efforts are ongoing as containment operations ramp up.
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Container ship sinks off Kerala coast, navy rescues all crew
Despite best efforts of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and the shipping firm, the container vessel MSC Elsa 3, which had reported listing around 38 nautical miles off the Kochi coast, sank into the Arabian Sea on Sunday morning. Indian Navy and Coast Guard sources confirmed that the vessel listed further and eventually capsized on Sunday morning. All the 24 crew members aboard the vessel were rescued. Of these, 21 were saved by the Navy and Coast Guard on Saturday evening and the remaining three, the captain, chief engineer, and second engineer, were brought to safety by the Navy on Sunday morning. The 21 crew members rescued earlier have been shifted to the Coast Guard headquarters in Kochi, while the captain and two engineers were taken to the Kochi Naval Base. According to reports, the vessel was carrying 148 containers, some of which may drift toward the Kerala coast due to the influence of the monsoon currents. The vessel, which was transporting containers with hazardous cargo, had listed approximately 26 degrees to the starboard side by Saturday afternoon. Upon receiving information regarding the incident, three ships, INS Sujata of the Indian Navy, ICGS Arnvesh, and ICGS Saksham, were deployed to assist in salvage operations. Coast guard ship ICGS Saksham on Sunday launched efforts to contain oil spill. MSC Elsa 3, a Liberia-flagged container vessel built in 1997, has a length of 184 metres and a beam of 25.3 metres. The containers are drifting at a speed of approximately one kilometre per hour and are expected to reach the Kerala coast, particularly between Alappuzha and Ernakulam, within two days. Authorities have issued a public advisory warning residents not to approach or touch any containers that wash ashore, as they may contain hazardous materials. While there is no official confirmation of the exact contents, sources indicate that the cargo includes Sulphur. Efforts by the shipping firm to tow the sinking vessel to Kochi port were unsuccessful due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. A vessel carrying technical experts had also been dispatched for salvage operations, but was unable to approach the vessel to shift cargo or initiate towing. In the early hours of Sunday, the vessel capsized rapidly, reportedly due to flooding in one of the holds. The three crew members who had remained on the abandoned vessel were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the operation on Saturday evening. Defence spokesperson Atul Pillai confirmed that another vessel from the parent company has reached the site for further salvage operations, though rough weather continues to hamper efforts. Although the Navy attempted to assist in towing the vessel to the Kochi coast, operations could not proceed as the vessel began capsizing. Indian Coast Guard deployed two ships for containment operations and uses a Dornier aircraft to spray chemical dispersants over the affected area. The Director General of the Coast Guard, who also heads the National Oil Spill Response Plan, directly supervises the containment efforts. Following the sinking of the container vessel, Kerala government deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to tackle the threat of drifting cargo containers and a potential coastal oil spill. In a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, the Factories and Boilers Department and the Pollution Control Board have been directed to constitute the RRTs. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), police, and other agencies will extend all necessary support for emergency operations and public safety. The government has issued a public advisory urging coastal residents to stay at least 200 metres away from any unfamiliar objects or containers found washed ashore. Citizens are requested to alert authorities by dialling 112 and avoid gathering near the site. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea, particularly within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the site. They have also been warned against approaching or handling any drifting containers or suspected hazardous materials at sea.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ship sinking off Kerala coast: Master says technical problems led to listing
Kochi: MSC ELSA 3 master Ivanov Alexander said technical problems led to the ship's listing. Ivanov said there was no collision, but it was some internal problem with the vessel. The weather was quite bad as well, especially at night, he said. Alexander said he couldn't specify the exact nature of the problem and that there would be an investigation from the company's side. He said the operations by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard were the best and they were very professional. " I want to say thank you to the Indian Coast Guard for saving us. They cared for us. Since yesterday (Saturday), they monitored the situation and maintained good communication," said Alexander. Apart from the 62-year-old Russian, chief engineer Chornyi Oleksii (55) from Ukraine and second engineer Kakhidze Roman (55) from Georgia remained on the ship while efforts were on to rectify the listing. They were eventually rescued by the Indian Navy on Sunday morning as the ship sank. The trio was brought to Kochi in INS Sujata.
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Business Standard
25-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Liberian cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast, 24 crew members rescued
A Liberian vessel carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday, sparking fears of a possible oil spill. All 24 crew members were rescued after the ship developed a critical tilt on Saturday, according to officials. So far, no oil spill has been reported, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday as full pollution response preparedness was activated by the Indian Coast Guard which was monitoring the situation along with the Indian Navy. "Liberian container vessel MSC ELSA 3 (IMO NO. 9123221) sank off the Kochi coast at around 0750 hrs today on May 25, 2025, due to flooding... "The vessel went down with 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide. It was also loaded with 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil," the ministry said in a statement. Of the 24 crew members, 21 had been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard on Saturday, and the remaining three were later rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the rescue operation launched by the ICG. Given the sensitive marine ecosystem along Kerala's coast, the ICG has activated "full pollution response preparedness" and ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection systems are conducting aerial surveillance, officials said. "ICG ship Saksham, carrying pollution response equipment, remains deployed at the site. So far, no oil spill has been reported," the defence ministry said. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. The coast guard has confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Deploying its ships and aircraft, the Indian Coast Guard had launched a rescue operation on Saturday following a distress call from the Liberian container vessel that developed a critical 26-degree list nearly 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The emergency began on May 24, when MSC ELSA 3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, developed a 26-degree "starboard list" approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, the officials said. The vessel lost stability, prompting a distress call. ICG's Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) in Kochi immediately launched a coordinated response, they said. "An ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance, spotting two life rafts with survivors. ICG patrol ships and merchant vessels MV Han Yi and MSC Silver 2 were also diverted to assist, in line with global search and rescue protocols," the defence ministry said. By late evening of Saturday, 21 of the 24 crew, including nationals from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, had been rescued. Three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage arrangements, it said. "However, the vessel's condition deteriorated overnight and it capsized on May 25. The three crew members were forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by INS Sujata," the statement by the ministry said. The Coast Guard on Sunday also shared the rescue operation update and some pictures on X. Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the Coast Guard in a statement issued earlier in the day, said, the ICG has geared up pollution response preparedness and coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios. "ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported," it said. A Defence PRO said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts. He added that the Coast Guard, which spearheaded the rescue operation, and Indian Navy ships are maintaining their positions in the area and monitoring the situation. The KSDMA has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore. They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore. The 184-metre-long vessel, MSC ELSA 3, departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday. At around 1.25 pm on May 24, the company owning the ship informed Indian authorities that it was listing by 26 degrees and sought urgent assistance. The Coast Guard was coordinating rescue operations by maintaining ships and aircraft near the distressed vessel. The vessel's 24-member crew comprises one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and one Georgian national. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there is a possibility that cargo --including containers and oil-- may wash ashore. KSDMA also warned that oil films could appear along parts of the coast.
