Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Kerala Coast on Alert After Cargo Ship Sinking and Spillage
A cargo ship sank off the coast of Kerala, spilling containers into the sea.
Some containers hold hazardous materials, including calcium carbide, causing concern.
Authorities, including the ICG, are working to control oil spills and recover containers.
Fishermen are warned, and fishing is banned in a 20-mile radius for safety.
Officials are also preventing looting of cargo, while cleanup operations are being planned.
The government is responding with various agencies to limit environmental impact and protect the public.
A Liberian cargo ship sank off the Kerala coast releasing containers into the sea.
Over 40 containers have washed ashore in multiple districts.
Some containers hold hazardous substances, including calcium carbide.
The ICG is monitoring an oil spill and deploying response vessels.
Fishing is banned within 20 nautical miles of the wreck site.
- Who
- The Kerala government, ICG, Mercantile Marine Department, T&T Salvage.
- What
- The sinking of a Liberian cargo ship releasing containers, some with hazardous substances.
- When
- Sinking on May 25, 2025; containers washing ashore since.
- Where
- Off the coast of Kerala, India; containers washing ashore in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram districts.
- Why
- To mitigate environmental damage, manage hazardous materials, and ensure public safety following the sinking of a cargo ship.
Environmental Concerns
Safety and Response
Priorities
Environmental Concerns
There is concern over the environmental impact due to the release of hazardous materials and oil spills impacting marine life and coastal areas.
Safety and Response
Authorities are focused on containing the oil spill, monitoring the situation, and preventing looting, prioritizing public safety.
- Vessel Name
- Liberian cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3
- Location of Sinking
- Off the coast of Kochi, Kerala
- Date of Sinking
- May 25, 2025
- Containers Washed Ashore
- Over 40 containers have washed ashore
- Fuel on board
- Over 84 metric tonnes of diesel and 367 metric tonnes of furnace oil
- Cargo includes
- Calcium carbide and other unidentified hazardous substances
- Fishing ban radius
- 20 nautical miles
Sources
Containers from capsized Liberian ship wash ashore on Thiruvananthapuram coast in Kerala
Industry flags risk of ageing feeder vessels in rough seas
More containers from sunken ship wash ashore in Kerala, chemical spill feared
Clear plastic waste without delay: Vijayan
Plastic pellets found on Kerala coast after shipwreck pose serious environmental impact, warn experts
Kerala Government enlists volunteers to rid beaches of plastic detritus from capsized Liberian ship
Kerala looks at fresh plan over coastal safety after Liberian cargo ship sinking
