Kerala Launches Probe Into MSC Elsa 3 Environmental Disaster

Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian announced on Monday that a police investigation into the sinking of the Liberian-flagged MSC Elsa 3 off the state’s coast is advancing under the oversight of the Coastal Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General. The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2025, approximately 14.6 nautical miles from Thottappally in Alappuzha district, has raised alarms over potential environmental damage due to hazardous cargo spilling into the Arabian Sea.

Speaking in response to a Calling Attention motion by MLA Antony Raju in the Kerala Assembly, Cherian revealed that the Fort Kochi Coastal Police registered a case on June 11, naming the ship’s owners, master, and crew as accused. The case, filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), addresses the shipwreck and the subsequent release of cargo into the sea. “The investigation is moving forward with high-level supervision to ensure accountability,” Cherian stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances behind the disaster.

The MSC Elsa 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, along with 84.44 metric tons of diesel and 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil. The sinking has sparked concerns among local communities about the impact on marine life and coastal ecosystems. While initial studies by environmental agencies suggest no immediate threat to fish stocks, Cherian cautioned that the cargo, including plastic pellets and cotton bundles, could pose long-term risks to marine biodiversity and the ecosystem.

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In response, the Kerala government has prioritized rehabilitation and environmental protection measures. Coordinated efforts have been launched to collect floating debris, with drone surveys mapping waste accumulation along affected coastlines. Volunteers, alongside government agencies, have been mobilized to clean up impacted areas, aiming to mitigate the spread of pollutants. “We are taking every step to protect our environment and reassure coastal communities,” Cherian assured.

The shipwreck has also prompted discussions about maritime safety and the regulation of hazardous cargo transport. Local fishermen have expressed fears about declining fish catches and potential contamination, urging swift action. The government has pledged to continue monitoring the situation, with ongoing assessments to evaluate long-term ecological impacts. As the investigation progresses, questions remain about the accountability of the ship’s operators and the measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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