Kerala on High Alert After Cargo Ship Carrying Hazardous Material Capsizes Off Kochi Coast

Authorities in Kerala have issued a coastal alert after a cargo vessel carrying oil and hazardous materials capsized off the coast near Kochi in the Arabian Sea, sparking environmental and public health concerns.

The Liberian-flagged ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank early Sunday, approximately 38 nautical miles from the Kochi shoreline, after suffering flooding in one of its compartments. The vessel was en route from Vizhinjam Port to Kochi when it began to list severely before ultimately capsizing.

Although all 24 crew members aboard were safely rescued, the ship was transporting 640 containers — some of which have begun drifting toward the coast. Several of these containers reportedly contain hazardous cargo, including 13 classified hazardous units and 12 filled with calcium carbide, a chemical that can release flammable gas upon contact with seawater.

Kerala’s coastal stretch, known for its rich biodiversity and tourism, now faces the risk of widespread contamination. The ship also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil onboard, which authorities fear could severely impact marine life and nearby communities.

“As the oil slick can reach anywhere along the Kerala coast, an alert has been sounded across the coastal belt,” stated the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office.

In response, residents have been advised not to touch any containers or suspicious substances that may wash ashore. Fishermen have also been warned to avoid areas near the wreck.

The Indian Coast Guard has ramped up pollution control efforts, deploying specialized vessels equipped to handle oil spills and sending an aircraft outfitted with an oil spill detection system to monitor the situation.

Efforts are ongoing to contain the leak and prevent further environmental damage as officials continue to assess the scale of the incident.