Containers from the MSC ELSA III, which sank off the coast of Alappuzha, have washed up on the Kollam coast, prompting alerts. So far, nine empty containers have been discovered, with the potential for more to arrive. Local authorities have advised coastal residents in danger to evacuate, while Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened an emergency meeting, urging fishermen to refrain from fishing within 20 nautical miles of the incident.
In response to the potential environmental threat, two fast-response teams from the Pollution Control Board have been deployed to manage any oil spills from the capsized vessel. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Port Authority are also on standby to implement containment measures. The State Disaster Management Authority has warned the public against approaching any floating containers or debris.
The ship, transporting over 640 containers from Vizhinjam to Kochi, capsized last Saturday, with 73 containers being empty. Among the remaining cargo, 12 contained hazardous materials like calcium carbide, while the ship carried significant amounts of furnace oil and diesel. Salvage operations are expected to commence post-monsoon, as authorities monitor the situation for any possible spills.
