Coastal emergency as cargo spill starts biting
Hyphen Web Desk
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A comprehensive environmental investigation is underway off Kerala's coast following the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which went down 38 nautical miles from Kochi on May 25. The ship, carrying 640 containers—including 25 with hazardous materials such as calcium carbide and hydrazine-based plastics—also held over 450 metric tonnes of diesel and furnace oil. All 24 crew members were safely rescued before the vessel capsized.
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has deployed four scientific teams across Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts to assess the ecological impact. These teams are collecting water, sediment, and phytoplankton samples from ten stations in each district, focusing on parameters like dissolved oxygen, pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and the presence of oil and grease. Benthic organisms are also being sampled to evaluate potential bioaccumulation of contaminants.
Adverse weather conditions have delayed on-site sampling at the wreck location and hindered fishing activities, complicating the assessment of immediate impacts. CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized the urgency of evaluating marine pollution linked to the shipwreck, noting that findings will inform management guidelines for relevant agencies. The monsoon season, a critical breeding period for pelagic fishes, heightens concerns about potential cargo leakage affecting marine life, particularly species residing near the surface.
The state government has declared the shipwreck a state-specific disaster. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced immediate relief measures for affected fisherfolk in the impacted districts, including monetary assistance and food supplies. Cleanup operations are ongoing, with police, volunteers, and civil defence teams deployed, while drone surveys have mapped contamination zones. Authorities are coordinating with MSC on environmental and economic damages and have requested the vessel's removal.
Efforts are underway to recover fuel and assess contamination risks, though seafood remains deemed safe. Fishing is banned within a 20-nautical-mile radius. A sonar survey will locate remaining debris, and post-monsoon efforts will focus on vessel and container removal. A claims desk has been set up in Kochi, and Captain Aneesh Joseph has been appointed to assist with insurance processes.
The Kerala state fishermen coordination committee has threatened legal action against the government over what it deems inadequate compensation for those affected by the sinking of the cargo ship MSC ELSA 3. The incident disrupted the livelihoods of many fishermen across the Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam districts, causing severe economic hardship, especially when combined with monsoon damage.
The Kerala state fishermen coordination committee has threatened legal action against the government over what it deems inadequate compensation for those affected by the sinking of the cargo ship MSC ELSA 3. The incident disrupted the livelihoods of many fishermen across the Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam districts, causing severe economic hardship, especially when combined with monsoon damage.
Contamination of the sea with calcium carbide, oil, plastic particles, and cotton-like matter has led to a drop in fish consumption, further impacting fishermen and related workers. TN Prathapan, former MP and chairman of the committee, has written to several authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding compensation in line with international shipping insurance laws.
Additionally, the Matsya Thozhilali Federation’s CITU wing has called on the central government to announce a special relief package for the fisheries sector in response to the disaster.
The South Asian Fishermen Fraternity has also raised concerns. The vessel reportedly carried hazardous materials, and plastic pellets known as nurdles have since washed ashore at Kanyakumari. Although these pellets are not harmful to humans, SAFF expressed worries about their potential to damage fishing boats and nets. SAFF general secretary Father Churchill urged the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard fishermen by identifying and recovering debris from the sunken vessel and to provide compensation as fishing activities are currently disrupted. He also called for rescue teams to be placed along the shore to address any emergencies resulting from further drift of cargo from the wreck.
The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 with calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil.
The South Asian Fishermen Fraternity has also raised concerns. The vessel reportedly carried hazardous materials, and plastic pellets known as nurdles have since washed ashore at Kanyakumari. Although these pellets are not harmful to humans, SAFF expressed worries about their potential to damage fishing boats and nets. SAFF general secretary Father Churchill urged the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard fishermen by identifying and recovering debris from the sunken vessel and to provide compensation as fishing activities are currently disrupted. He also called for rescue teams to be placed along the shore to address any emergencies resulting from further drift of cargo from the wreck.
The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 with calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil.
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