29 containers from MSC ELSA 3 the sunken ship, wash ashore Kerala coast, locals told to stay away
KOCHI : Authorities in Kerala are on high alert after containers from a cargo ship MSC ELSA 3,that sank off the Kochi coast began washing ashore along the coast in Kollam and Alappuzha districts. The sunken Liberian vessel was carrying over 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, according to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Customs officials.
Early on Monday, two containers were spotted at Thurayil Kadavu in Arattupuzha, Alappuzha. Locals discovered one of them around 6.30 am. The floating container later collided with the seawall and burst open, spilling packets onto the shore. The two containers remained joined together. In Kollam district, containers were found near Cheriazheekal, Karunagappally, where one was seen crashing into the seawall. Three containers each were located in Neendakara Parimanam, Sakthikulangara, and along the Chavara coast.
Authorities have confirmed that a total of 29 containers from the ship have washed up along the Kerala coast. Of these, 27 containers have been found along the Kollam coast, while 2 have been located near Alappuzha. Most of the containers are empty, but some are marked yellow with visible plastic contents inside.
Police have been deployed across the affected coastal areas to secure the sites and prevent public interference. The affected areas have been cordoned off by local officials, and the public is not allowed within 200 metres of the site to ensure safety.
Some of the hazardous containers reportedly contain calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release acetylene gas, which is highly flammable.
The public has been strongly advised to stay away from any containers or debris found on the shore. “The public is strongly advised not to approach or interact with any floating or beached containers or debris, as they may contain dangerous substances,” the Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, said in a statement.
The Customs Department, which would be the first to inspect these containers, noted that all goods on the vessel were non-duty paid at the time of the incident, and any unauthorised removal or pilferage of these goods is illegal. Customs Marine and Preventive Units have been deployed across the Kerala coast, and surveillance is underway in coordination with other agencies.
According to the ICG, the vessel overturned and sank early on Sunday, resulting in a major oil spill. The ship capsized swiftly “due to flooding in one of the holds”, which are compartments below the deck used for storing cargo.
The vessel was carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, now leaking into the sea. Officials have raised a statewide alert, noting that the spill is moving at approximately three kilometres per hour and could impact the ecologically sensitive Kerala coastline.
The ICG is leading pollution response efforts and is currently monitoring the spread of the oil slick. Officials have stressed that public cooperation is critical for ensuring safety and assisting ongoing recovery operations.
