A serious incident off the coast of Kerala has prompted urgent warnings from authorities after hazardous cargo fell from a ship into the Arabian Sea on May 24, 2025. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a high alert, urging the public to exercise extreme caution and stay away from any containers or debris that may wash ashore.
The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, where a container ship, identified as MSC ELSA 3, encountered difficulties, resulting in the loss of several containers overboard. The ship was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when the incident occurred. It's believed severe sea conditions caused by the onset of the monsoon may have contributed to the accident, causing the ship to tilt.
The primary concern stems from the nature of the cargo. While final confirmation is awaited, it is suspected that the containers hold marine gas oil and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), both of which are classified as hazardous materials. These substances pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. KSDMA has specifically warned that these materials are extremely dangerous and should not be touched under any circumstances.
Adding to the urgency, there are fears of a potential oil spill. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to assess the extent of any leakage and mitigate potential environmental damage. The KSDMA alert warns about a potential oil spill along the shore, probably between central and northern Kerala.
In response to the incident, the Indian Coast Guard has launched rescue and monitoring operations. Initial efforts focused on rescuing the crew of the distressed vessel. According to reports, 21 of the 24 crew members have been rescued with the help of the Indian Navy. The Coast Guard has also been tasked with assessing the situation at sea and tracking the movement of the containers. The Coast Guard has warned locals against going near any container that may get beached in the hours to come.
The KSDMA has issued clear instructions to the public: If any containers or suspicious debris are spotted on the shore, they should not be approached or handled. Instead, individuals are urged to immediately inform the police or contact the emergency response number 112. Coastal police will also be making announcements via loudspeakers in coastal areas, urging vigilance.
The incident has prompted a coordinated response from various agencies. The Directorate General of Shipping is working with the Coast Guard and the ship's management to initiate salvage operations. These operations will focus on stabilizing the vessel, preventing further loss of cargo, and minimizing any potential environmental impact.
