Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Coastal Pollution Study Begins After Kerala Ship Sinking
A ship sank off the coast of Kerala, spilling tiny plastic pellets called nurdles into the ocean.
These nurdles are spreading, and now scientists are studying the coast of Tamil Nadu to see if they have caused pollution there too.
Researchers are collecting samples from beaches and water, just like they do in regular monitoring programs.
This information will help them understand how much the accident has affected the coast and if these plastic pieces are causing harm.
They also plan to compare this new information with previous information that was available.
A ship sank off the Kerala coast, leading to a spill of plastic nurdles.
NCCR is conducting a pollution study along the southern Tamil Nadu coast.
Samples are being collected in Kanyakumari, potentially expanding to Kudankulam.
The study aims to assess the impact of the spill on the TN coast.
The findings will supplement the Tamil Nadu government's assessment efforts.
- Who
- NCCR and SDMRI, along with Tamil Nadu government.
- What
- Pollution study initiated due to the spill of plastic nurdles.
- When
- May 25, 2024 (ship sank)
- Where
- Kanyakumari and potentially Kudankulam along the Tamil Nadu coast.
- Why
- To assess the impact of the plastic nurdle spill from the sunken ship.
Concerns and Assessments
Actions Taken
Impact Assessment
Concerns and Assessments
Potential pollution impact on Tamil Nadu coast
Actions Taken
Initiation of surveys and data collection to assess and monitor coastal impact.
- Affected Vessel
- MSL ELSA 3
- Location of Study
- Kanyakumari, TN coast
- Ship Sinking Date
- May 25
- Number of Containers on Ship
- 640
- Primary Contaminant
- Nurdles (plastic pellets)
- Organizations Involved
- NCCR and SDMRI
