NewKerala.com

Key Points

A container ship carrying marine gas oil has capsized off the Kerala coast, triggering an environmental alert from state authorities. The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles from Kochi, with 10 containers potentially leaking hazardous fuel into the sea. Coast Guard rescue operations are currently underway, with nine crew members already rescued from the 24-member team. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned the public against approaching any potential oil spillage that might reach the coastline.

Key Points: Kerala Coast Ship Capsize Triggers Hazardous Oil Spill Alert

  • Liberian-flagged ship capsized 38 nautical miles off Kochi coast
  • 10 containers with marine gas oil thrown into sea
  • Nine crew members rescued in ongoing Coast Guard operation
  • VLSFO fuel spillage raises environmental concerns
2 min read

Container ship capsizes off Kerala coast; spillover of hazardous materials suspected

Container ship disaster near Kochi raises environmental concerns with potential marine fuel spillage and ongoing Coast Guard rescue operations

"None should touch this oil spill in case if it touches the coastline of our state - Sekhar Kuriakose, KSDMA"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 24

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Saturday has sent out a warning that the Indian Coast Guard authorities have informed about a spillover of hazardous materials from a ship in the deep sea off the Kerala coast, an official said on Saturday. Notably, a container ship capsized while sailing towards Kochi.

The incident took place on Saturday about 38 nautical miles (around 70 km) off Kochi Coast when the ship with a Liberian flag was on its way from Vizhinjam to Kochi. The ship was expected to reach Kochi by Saturday evening.

The ship was carrying marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) capsized and due to it about 10 containers containing these oil got thrown into the sea.

The VLSFO is a marine fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5 per cent (mass). This type of fuel is crucial for compliance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 regulations

Speaking to the media persons, the member secretary of the KSDMA Sekhar Kuriakose said he was informed of the capsize by the Coast Guard.

"Soon I got in touch with our state authorities and I was asked to report this to the media. The warning is none should touch this oil spill in case if it touches the coast line of our state,” said Kuriakose.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is a statutory non-autonomous body under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Kerala.

Meanwhile, reports also suggested that of the 24 crew members, nine officials of the ship has been rescued, while the Coast Guard rescue operations were underway.

The ship was supposed to touch the Cochin Port later in the day when the accident happened.

More details regarding the capsize and the container ship are awaited.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really concerning for our coastal ecosystem! Kerala's beaches and marine life are already under so much pressure. Authorities must act fast to contain the spill before it reaches the shore. Our fishermen's livelihoods are at stake here. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why are we allowing ships with hazardous materials so close to our coastline? After the Vizag gas leak and now this, we need stricter regulations. Hope all crew members are safe - prayers for those still missing.
A
Arjun S.
The Coast Guard is doing commendable work in rescue operations. But I'm worried about the long-term impact - remember the 2010 Mumbai oil spill that took years to clean? We need better preparedness for such disasters.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Kochi, this hits close to home. Our beautiful backwaters and beaches are our pride. Authorities should immediately deploy containment booms and skimmers - prevention is better than cure!
V
Vikram J.
While the immediate focus is on rescue and containment, we must ask why a Liberian-flagged ship was carrying such hazardous cargo near our coast. Time to review our maritime safety protocols and demand higher accountability from foreign vessels in Indian waters.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50