The sinking of the Liberian-flagged MSC Elsa-3 off Kerala’s coast on May 25 has sparked concerns regarding maritime safety and environmental hazards. Captain Naveen Singhal, a marine consultant, attributed the incident to improper container loading practices, noting that the vessel had stability issues and began listing. He emphasized that shippers often under-declare container weights to cut costs, which can lead to dangerous situations, including capsizing.
Captain Singhal pointed out the challenges in verifying container weights during rapid loading operations. He suggested that automation could help capture incorrect weight declarations at the loading stage, but such systems are currently lacking.
Regarding environmental impacts, he noted that the sunken vessel was carrying calcium carbide, which reacts with water, potentially generating acetylene gas. While some containers have washed ashore, the nature of their hazardous contents remains unclear.
Liability for the incident falls under Protection and Indemnity insurance, with the Director General of Shipping coordinating recovery efforts. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved oversight and technological advancements in global shipping to prevent future disasters.
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