The Kerala government has officially designated the MSC ELSA 3 cargo shipwreck as a state-specific disaster due to escalating environmental threats. The vessel capsized on May 25 in the Arabian Sea, about 14.6 nautical miles from Thottappalli in Alappuzha district. The decision comes amid rising fears of oil spills and the spread of hazardous debris along the state’s southern coastline.
The Panama-flagged ship carried 643 containers, including 12 with calcium carbide and one with chemicals. The presence of such substances has triggered serious concerns over potential chemical contamination of the marine ecosystem and coastal areas.
In the aftermath of the incident, approximately 50 containers have already washed ashore across the districts of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Reports indicate a steady flow of debris, particularly affecting the Thiruvananthapuram coast, intensifying public safety and environmental worries.
Authorities are now working to manage the fallout, coordinating clean-up operations and assessing the environmental damage. The declaration of the shipwreck as a state-specific disaster allows for the mobilization of emergency resources and heightened coordination among various departments to prevent further ecological harm.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is actively monitoring the situation. Officials stress that immediate containment and recovery measures are vital to mitigate long-term impacts on coastal communities and marine biodiversity. The incident has sparked widespread calls for enhanced maritime safety regulations and stricter monitoring of hazardous cargo in Indian waters.
