New Delhi: A Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank early Sunday approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, triggering serious concerns over potential environmental damage from oil and chemical spills. While all 24 crew members were safely rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy, the risk to marine life and coastal communities remains high.
Details of the Incident
The MSC ELSA 3 capsized due to severe flooding in one of its cargo holds. Onboard were 84.44 metric tons of diesel, 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil, and 640 containers—including 13 carrying hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide. These substances pose a significant threat to the fragile marine ecosystem along Kerala’s coastline.
Immediate Response and Monitoring
The Indian Coast Guard swiftly deployed its pollution response vessel ‘Saksham’ and aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill detection technology to monitor the situation. Although no oil spill has been confirmed yet, authorities are on high alert given the volatile cargo and fuel on board.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued warnings to local residents, advising them to avoid contact with any debris or containers that may wash ashore, emphasizing the dangers of chemicals and oil residues.
What Makes Calcium Carbide Dangerous?
Calcium carbide (CaC₂), a key industrial chemical used to produce acetylene gas, reacts violently with water. Upon contact, it generates acetylene—a highly flammable gas—and calcium hydroxide, which raises water alkalinity. This reaction can cause significant ecological disruption by changing the pH of surrounding waters, threatening aquatic life’s survival and reproduction.
The heat released during this chemical reaction adds to the hazard, increasing the risk of fires or explosions if the acetylene gas accumulates uncontrollably.
Environmental Impact and Precautions
Floating containers from the shipwreck have already been sighted drifting toward the shore. Authorities and the Coast Guard continue their efforts to contain any leaks and recover hazardous materials before they cause lasting damage.
Fishermen and coastal communities have been urged to stay alert and report any sightings of oil slicks, containers, or unusual debris to authorities immediately.
Experts warn that a large-scale spill could severely impact Kerala’s marine biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism-dependent livelihoods, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to maritime accidents.
Ongoing Efforts
Salvage operations are underway amid challenging weather, with the Indian Coast Guard leading coordinated efforts to minimize environmental harm. Continuous monitoring and rapid response remain critical as officials work to prevent a disaster along Kerala’s ecologically sensitive coastline.
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