Liberian Vessel Off Kerala Coast: Environmental Concerns

Kochi, May 25 (PTI) A Liberian cargo vessel carrying marine fuel has further tilted, losing more containers at sea off the Kerala coast, officials revealed on Sunday, sparking concerns of potential environmental damage. Three crew members were heroically rescued by the INS Sujata, an Indian Navy ship, amid challenging conditions.

“The three crew have been safely recovered by INS Sujata, under perilous circumstances as additional containers have fallen overboard and the vessel has sunk further,” a Defence Public Relations Officer stated on Sunday morning.

INS Sujata has strategically maintained its position near the distressed ship, he added.

This development poses a growing environmental threat, unfolding alongside vigorous efforts by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to devise solutions for towing the ailing vessel.

The Liberian container ship, transporting marine fuel, began to list significantly, about 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on Saturday, resulting in cargo spills into the ocean.

A Defence PRO noted that another ship from the owner’s fleet has arrived to aid the ongoing rescue efforts.

Initially, authorities reported that 21 of the 24 crew members were rescued, while three were told to remain onboard as per instructions from the vessel's company.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the Coast Guard, leading the rescue mission, along with Indian Navy vessels, are firmly positioned and monitoring the situation.

An expert evaluation is ongoing to determine the ship’s towability, the Defence PRO added.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised the public against interacting with any washed-up cargo containers or oil spills.

Citizens have been urged to alert local authorities promptly if they encounter such materials along the shore. The 184-meter-long ship, MSC Elsa 3, left Vizhinjam port for Kochi on Friday.

Around 1:25 p.m. on May 24, the ship’s company informed Indian authorities about the 26-degree list, seeking urgent assistance.

Coast Guard response operations included maintaining vessels and aircraft around the distressed ship.

The 24-strong crew consists of one Russian (the Master), 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, and a Georgian national.

KSDMA also warned of possible cargo, including containers and oil, reaching land, and oil films developing along the coastline.

The Coast Guard confirmed that the ship’s cargo includes Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). PTI TGB ADB