Liberian cargo ship sinks: Kerala declares emergency as major oil spill feared — Top developments

NEW DELHI: The Kerala government on Sunday declared a statewide emergency after a Liberian container ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, capsized and sank off the state’s coast, triggering fears of a major ecological disaster.Statewide alert issuedFollowing a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary A Jayathilak, Kerala issued a statewide alert, warning coastal districts of potential environmental damage. Fishermen have been asked to stay ashore, and the public has been told not to touch or approach any drifting containers or oil slicks that may wash ashore. “Maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres and inform the emergency number 112,” read the official note.Entire crew rescuedAll 24 crew members aboard were rescued, 21 by the Indian Coast Guard and 3 by Indian Navy’s INS Sujata. According to Navy PRO Athul Pillai, the final three were rescued on Sunday morning after the vessel became too dangerous to remain aboard. “If they stayed put more, it was a danger for them,” he said, adding the rescue was carried out amid high winds and floating debris.Oil spill threatAs per PTI, the ship had 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil in its tanks. Some of this has already begun leaking into the sea. The fuel is drifting at around 3 km per hour, raising fears it may reach Kerala’s sensitive coastline. The Indian Coast Guard confirmed a “significant oil leak” and has deployed ICGS Saksham, Samarth, and a Dornier aircraft with oil dispersants to contain the spill.Hazardous cargo on boardAccording to ANI, the vessel was carrying 12 containers of calcium carbide, a substance that reacts violently with seawater, producing highly flammable acetylene gas. This cargo poses a serious risk to marine life and coastal communities.Pollution response underwayThe Coast Guard, leading pollution response efforts, is operating under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, directly overseen by its director general. Surveillance aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting assessments. “We are fully geared to respond to the emerging scenario,” the ICG said.Public urged to stay vigilantThe Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned that oil films or debris may appear along coastal areas. “There is a possibility that the containers and the oil can reach the state's coast,” said KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, as quoted by TOI. Locals have been urged to report any sightings to police.Salvage efforts being exploredBefore the ship sank, salvage operations were being planned, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. The vessel, which had departed Vizhinjam on May 23 and was en route to Kochi, began listing dangerously on May 24 afternoon. A Defence PRO confirmed some containers had already fallen into the sea by Saturday evening.Sensitive ecosystem at riskThe Kerala coast is home to rich biodiversity and is a key tourist destination. Authorities are bracing for the worst-case scenario, especially for districts like Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha, which could face the brunt of the pollution.Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as containment operations intensify.