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Key Points

The Kerala government has declared the capsized Liberian ship ELSA 3 in the Arabian Sea as a state-specific disaster. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted potential environmental threats, including oil spills, that could affect coastal life and economics. Meanwhile, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has initiated a study to assess the environmental impacts of the shipwreck. The state is also considering legal action against the ship's owners, addressing concerns from local fishermen about compensation and marine life damage.

Key Points: Kerala Declares Liberian Ship ELSA 3 Wreck a State Disaster

  • Kerala names Liberian shipwreck a disaster
  • CMFRI starts marine impact study after shipwreck
  • Legal measures against ship's owners considered
2 min read

Kerala declares Liberian ship capsize as a state-specific disaster, CMFRI begins study

Kerala labels Liberian shipwreck a disaster, environmental risks prompt CMFRI study, legal action considered.

"The Government hereby declare the wreckage of the ship M/s ELSA 3...as a State-Specific disaster. - Chief Minister's Office"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 29

The Kerala government on Thursday declared the wreckage of the Liberian ship M/s ELSA 3 in the Arabian Sea 14.6 nautical miles off the Kerala coast as a state-specific disaster.

A statement issued from the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the ship, M/s MSC ELSA-3, carrying more than 643 containers, was reported to have capsized on May 25 off the Kerala Coast near Thottappalli in Alappuzha District.

"The maritime incident has raised serious environmental concerns, including the potential for an oil spill and drifting of debris, including cargo, along Kerala's coastline. Considering the potentially serious environmental, social, and economic impact of the ship wreckage, the Government hereby declare the wreckage of the ship M/s ELSA 3 in the Arabian Sea 14.6 nautical miles off the Kerala coast as a State-Specific disaster," said the statement.

This fresh development comes at a time when the Kerala government is seriously contemplating legal proceedings against the ship's owners after fishermen's associations have demanded appropriate compensation, fearing that the chemicals could cause long-term damage to marine life and jeopardise their livelihoods.

The Vijayan government is awaiting a response from legal experts dealing with marine topics to go forward with legal steps.

On Thursday, the containers that had been cleared from near the coast of Kollam and were being readied for transportation caught fire.

But the fire was quickly doused.

The vessel, which had reported listing approximately 38 nautical miles off the Kochi coast, ultimately sank into the Arabian Sea on Sunday morning.

In a related development, the ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Thursday launched a study to assess the changes in the marine environment following the shipwreck.

The study is currently being conducted by four different teams on the coastal areas of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

The teams are collecting water, phytoplankton and sediment samples from 10 stations in these districts at regular intervals for the investigation.

According to CMFRI Director Grinson George, the study aims to understand various types of marine pollution associated with the shipwreck.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a serious matter! Kerala's coastline is already vulnerable and such incidents can destroy marine life for years. The government must take strict action against the ship owners and ensure proper compensation for fishermen. 🚢🔥
P
Priya M.
Good that CMFRI has started the study quickly. We need scientific data to understand the real impact. Hope they also monitor the long-term effects on fish populations - many livelihoods depend on this.
A
Arjun S.
Why do we always react after disasters happen? India needs stronger maritime surveillance and stricter regulations for ships passing near our coast. Prevention is better than compensation!
S
Sneha R.
The containers catching fire shows how dangerous this situation is! 😨 Kerala's tourism industry might suffer if beaches get polluted. Authorities should keep the public updated regularly about safety measures.
V
Vikram J.
While the state government's response seems prompt, I hope they coordinate with the central agencies too. Maritime disasters need national-level attention and resources for proper handling.
M
Meena P.
As someone from coastal Karnataka, I'm worried this might affect our shores too. The Arabian Sea currents can carry pollution far. All coastal states should work together on this.

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