India on alert after ship carrying ‘hazardous cargo’ capsizes

Authorities in Indian state of Kerala have issued an alert after a Liberian-flagged ship carrying oil and hazardous cargo capsized and leaked off the state’s coast in the Arabian Sea near Kochi on Sunday, May 25, 2025. 

The coastal region, known for its rich biodiversity and tourism, faces environmental and health risks from the spill.

The vessel, MSC ELSA 3, was traveling from Vizhinjam port to Kochi when it began tilting dangerously 38 nautical miles offshore due to flooding in one of its compartments. It sank early Sunday. All 24 crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy after a hours-long operation.

Of the ship’s 640 containers, some are drifting toward the shore, prompting evacuations in coastal areas. The vessel carried 13 containers of hazardous cargo, 12 with calcium carbide (a chemical that releases flammable gas upon contact with seawater), 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel, and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. Authorities warn that the oil slick and other harmful substances could endanger residents and marine life.

“As the oil slick could spread along the Kerala coast, an alert has been issued for the entire coastal belt,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office. Residents are advised not to touch containers or oil washing ashore, and fishermen have been warned to avoid the sunken ship.

On Monday, officials intensified pollution control measures. The Indian Coast Guard deployed a ship with pollution control equipment and an aircraft equipped with an oil spill detection system to survey the area.

Source: BBC