Hazardous Containers Wash Ashore After Cargo Ship Sinks Off Kerala Coast

The Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank off the coast of Kerala, India on May 25, 2025. The 184-meter long vessel was carrying over 640 containers, out of which at least 13 contained hazardous materials.

Many of these containers have spilled into the sea, and some have already started washing ashore, posing risks to safety and marine life.

As of May 26, at least ten containers had reached beaches in Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Some of them broke open after hitting seawalls, releasing unknown substances.

Locals reported seeing containers on beaches in Cheriazheekal, Karunagappally, Sakthikulangara, Neendakara, and Thurayil Kadavu in Arattupuzha. One container even split open and spilled packets onto the shore.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued a warning stating that some containers might contain calcium carbide, a dangerous chemical that reacts with seawater and produces acetylene gas, which is highly flammable.

People have been urged to stay at least 200 meters away from any floating or washed-up containers. Police have sealed off affected areas to ensure public safety.

pic.twitter.com/jNx5uScldm

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 24, 2025

Another big concern is the oil leak from the sunken vessel. The ship was carrying around 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, which is now seeping into the sea.

After a high-level meeting led by Kerala Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, officials revealed that the oil is moving at a speed of about 3 kilometres per hour, and could soon reach Kerala’s coastline.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is leading the cleanup operation. Two Coast Guard ships and a Dornier aircraft have been deployed to contain the spill.

The Director General of the Coast Guard is personally overseeing the response under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan. An ICG aircraft equipped with advanced technology is tracking the oil spread and mapping the affected area.

Experts at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have predicted, using simulations, that oil slicks and debris may reach the shores of Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha, and Karunagappally within the next 36 to 48 hours. These areas have been marked as high-risk zones.

In response, the Kerala government has declared a statewide alert. Fishing has been banned within a 20-nautical-mile radius around the site of the sunken vessel. Fishermen have been asked to stay out of the sea until further notice.

All coastal authorities have also been instructed to warn the public against touching or going near unknown objects or containers that wash ashore.

All 24 crew members ex Liberian-flagged container Vessel MSC ELSA 3 rescued safely, 21 by @IndiaCoastGuard & 03 by @indiannavy Ship Sujata after vessel sank off #Kochi this morning. Vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium… pic.twitter.com/990qmogVJR

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 25, 2025

Additionally, the state has mobilized Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). The Factories and Boilers Department has deployed two RRTs each in southern and central districts, and one in the north. The State Pollution Control Board has also formed teams to respond quickly to oil slicks or chemical leaks.

The Customs Department confirmed that the cargo on board was non-duty paid. They warned that removing or tampering with any of the items is illegal. Customs Marine and Preventive Units are keeping a close watch along the coastline to prevent looting or accidents.

The MSC ELSA 3 left Vizhinjam Port and was on its way to Kochi when it began to tilt around 1:25 pm on May 24. The vessel leaned by about 26 degrees due to rough seas, suspected hull damage, and possible cargo imbalance. Eventually, it sank around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.

All 24 crew members on board, including citizens from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Georgia, were rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy.

As the cleanup continues and more containers drift to shore, officials are urging people to cooperate and call emergency number 112 if they spot any oil patches or suspicious containers.

Reference: The Hindu, Indian Express