Kerala Coastline & Marine Life At Risk After Hazardous Spillage From Sunken Liberian Cargo Vessel

Marine experts have raised concern over the possible environmental impact following the sinking of Liberian cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. The vessel was carrying over 600 containers, including 13 containing hazardous chemicals, along with significant quantities of diesel and furnace oil.

Liberian Cargo Vessel Sinks Near Kerala Coastline

According to Hindustan Times, on the morning of May 25, the Liberian cargo vessel sank 14.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The ship was sailing to Kochi from the Vizhinjam International Seaport. As the ship went down, all 640-plus containers on board sank along with it.

As per the officials, at least 12 of the sunken containers held calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts dangerously with water, releasing highly flammable acetylene gas. While efforts are underway to extract fuel oil and marine diesel from the ship’s submerged tanks, the containers carrying hazardous materials remain unrecovered. A mechanical failure in the ship’s ballast system has been identified as a key factor contributing to the vessel’s sinking.

Based on a complaint filed by C Shamji of Neerkunnam Matsya Gramam in Alappuzha, an FIR was registered at the Fort Kochi Coastal Police Station. The owner of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the ship’s master, and the crew were named as the first, second, and third accused, respectively.

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Experts Raise Concerns Over Potential Ecological Damage

After the Liberian cargo vessel sank near the Kerala coastline, marine experts raised alarm over the potential ecological damage to the coast and the marine life around it. They pointed out that oil contamination could pose a serious threat to sensitive marine species in the region and even disrupt fishing activities

Many experts called this a coastal emergency in Kerala that can cause irreversible damage to marine biodiversity, fishing livelihoods, and food safety. They pointed out that the toxic spill poses a threat to the entire marine food chain, from plankton to top predators, while drifting chemical containers risk spreading contamination to coastal areas. This is more than just a maritime accident — it’s a looming ecological disaster that calls for immediate containment, transparent reporting, and coordinated intervention.

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Cover Image Courtesy: X/@IndiaCoastGuard