Greenpeace India, along with civil society groups representing coastal and fishing communities, urged immediate action on July 28, 2025, regarding the environmental damage caused by the MSC ELSA 3, which was abandoned off Kerala’s coast in May. They published a white paper detailing the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the shipwreck, identifying it as a “multidimensional environmental and human crisis.”
The report covers the damage incurred between May 25 and June 25, focusing on the widespread contamination of nurdles (plastic pellets) affecting the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. It emphasizes that this incident stems from corporate negligence rather than mere accident. The groups are calling for transparency regarding the ship’s cargo, a swift clean-up, and a comprehensive compensation plan to address the loss of livelihoods and biodiversity.
Furthermore, the document highlights immediate threats from oil pollution and chemical leaks, which impact marine life and food chains. Long-term ecological harm, illustrated by the persistence of plastic debris, presents significant recovery challenges. Economic repercussions threaten the fishing and tourism sectors, potentially leading to prolonged struggles for coastal communities. The authors stress the urgent need for improved regulations and emergency response protocols.
