On June 12, a resident on Mannar Island, Sri Lanka, reported discovering what he referred to as “strange white pebbles,” which were later identified as hazardous pellets from a shipping incident.
The vessel involved, MSC Elsa 3, was carrying 640 containers, including 13 classified as dangerous and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical linked to phosphorus and arsenic.
After the incident, approximately two dozen containers washed up on various beaches in Kerala, leading to significant pollution. State officials indicated that this environmental disaster has severely impacted the livelihoods of around 78,000 fishing families across four districts.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges related to maritime safety and environmental protection in the region.
Share it now
