- विज्ञापन -
Kollam (Kerala): Eight containers from the Liberia-flagged vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank off Kochi due to flooding, were found washed ashore on the Kollam coast. These red containers were seen stranded along rocky shores amidst turbulent waters, posing environmental and navigational concerns.
The Indian Coast Guard reported that the vessel was transporting a total of 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargo containers and 12 with calcium carbide. It also carried 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. In response, the ICG activated its comprehensive Pollution Response plans to handle any oil spills or environmental hazards.
All 24 crew members were rescued; 21 by the Coast Guard and 3 by INS Sujata. The rescue was a coordinated effort between the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, following the vessel’s sinking off Kochi. The authorities are working closely with local administrations, with ICG aircraft equipped with advanced oil spill mapping technology conducting aerial surveys of the affected zone.
The sinking has raised alarms about potential pollution, prompting intensified measures by the Coast Guard and Navy. Indian Coast Guard ships Saksham and Samarth are engaged in pollution mitigation, with a Dornier aircraft supporting surveillance operations. As of late Saturday night, three senior crew members remained onboard to assist with salvage operations, but the vessel’s condition worsened, leading them to abandon ship, after which they were rescued by INS Sujata. The incident continues to be a major concern for maritime environmental safety.
