Indian Coast Guard Confirms Kerala's Coastline Remains Unaffected By Oil Spill
Following the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 off the Kerala coast, the Indian Coast Guard, along with other emergency services, was placed on high alert to contain the oil spill. The incident, involving containers carrying hazardous chemicals, has raised serious environmental concerns in the coastal regions.
In a swift response to the situation, the Indian Coast Guard launched a prompt and robust containment operation. The officials had said that an ICG Ship Saksham with Pollution Response gear, Dornier aircraft for aerial survelliance and OSD has been deployed.
Two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), including the Indian Coast Guard’s Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Prahari, along with pollution response-configured assets, were also deployed to manage the situation, the official added.
So far, the situation is under control and is being closely monitored. Indian Coast Guard has confirmed that Kerala’s coastline remains unaffected by the oil spill till now. Clean-up operations are currently underway in coordination with MSC, T&T Salvage, and relevant authorities.
“The Indian Coast Guard remains committed to ensuring marine safety and environmental protection,” the official further added.
On Saturday, the MSC Elsa 3, the 184-meter vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company, carrying 640 containers, capsized off Kochi harbour. The cargo ship, travelling from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi before heading to Thoothukudi, encountered severe conditions that caused it to tilt and begin listing. Although the vessel was scheduled to dock in Kochi by 10 pm, it remains adrift and is dangerously close to the Kerala coastline.
Read also: Watch | The Aftermath Of Kochi Ship Accident
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority had immediately activated emergency protocols, while the Indian Coast Guard continues surveillance operations using aerial drones and pollution response vessels.
