BusinessToday24 Correspondent, Kolkata: The sinking of the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 off the coast of Kerala has sparked fears of an unfolding environmental catastrophe. Toxic chemicals, plastic pellets (nurdles), and vast quantities of oil have leaked into the Arabian Sea, prompting the Kerala government to declare a statewide environmental emergency.
The vessel was reportedly carrying 640 containers, including 13 loaded with hazardous chemicals such as calcium carbide and hydrazine-based plastics. Additionally, the ship held 84 tons of diesel and 367 tons of furnace oil, much of which has now contaminated surrounding waters.
India’s Defence Ministry has confirmed that the oil spill poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity and fragile coastal ecosystems in the region.
High-Level Response with International Experts
Acting on directives from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the state convened a high-powered expert panel featuring global specialists. Participants included disaster management veteran Murali Thummarukudy, former World Maritime University professor Olof Linden, petroleum chemical analyst Babu Pillai, environmental economist Shanthakumar, and coastal clean-up expert Mike Coving. Senior state officials and district collectors from affected areas also took part in the emergency consultation.
Coastal Clean-Up and Emergency Measures
To contain the oil and chemical spill, special absorption equipment has been deployed at estuaries and sensitive beach zones. Trained volunteer squads, aided by drone surveillance, have been stationed every 100 meters along the coast to clean up plastic nurdles. These efforts are being coordinated by the police, fire and rescue services, and the pollution control board.
Fisherfolk and Livelihoods at Risk
To safeguard public health, the government has banned fishing within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the wreck site causing a sudden disruption to the livelihoods of thousands of coastal fishermen. Advisory notices have urged local residents to stay away from washed-up containers or unidentified materials.
Legal Action and Environmental Compensation
India’s Mercantile Marine Department has served a preliminary legal notice to the vessel’s owner, MSC Group, demanding accountability for oil pollution damage. The international salvage firm T&T Salvage has been appointed to lead the container recovery, oil removal, and environmental restoration efforts.
Long-Term Ecological Impact and a Call to Action
Kerala’s coastline is one of India’s richest biodiversity zones, home to sea turtles, dolphins, and breeding grounds for numerous marine species. Experts warn that the combined impact of oil and plastic pollution could irreparably damage the local ecosystem. The government has pledged both short- and long-term strategies to contain the disaster and rebuild ecological resilience.
This shipwreck is not merely an accident it is a wake-up call for integrated, global-standard coastal environmental governance.
✅ This report can raise vital awareness about the fragile state of our coasts and oceans.
📲 Share it now on Facebook, WhatsApp, or your preferred social platform
to help others understand the gravity of this oil spill and its potential to devastate marine life.
BusinessToday24.com – Reliable Reporting for a Changing World.
