Kochi: Recent maritime incidents, including a shipwreck and a fire on a vessel carrying hazardous materials, have raised alarms about maritime security and environmental impacts along Kerala’s coast. Concerns include oil spills, toxic chemical releases, and pesticide contamination, prompting discussions on the potential hazards to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and navigation.
Experts are calling for enhanced monitoring of the increasing vessel traffic due to the opening of Vizhinjam port. K. Sunil Muhammed, a former principal scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, emphasized the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to manage maritime pollution but highlighted the need for a long-term monitoring system for Kerala’s coastal waters. He suggested establishing a network of marine research institutes to conduct periodic water sampling and analysis over the next two years to assess the effects of chemical pollution.
The fire on the MV Wan Hai 503 resulted in the loss of containers with hazardous cargo off the Beypore coast, including flammable liquids and industrial chemicals. The sunken MSC Elsa 3 has also contributed to marine pollution, potentially blocking sunlight and disrupting the marine food web. Hazardous chemicals from these incidents can alter seawater chemistry, leading to harmful algal blooms and oxygen-depleted zones.
