Alappuzha: On early Monday morning, residents along the coastal regions of Alappuzha and Kollam districts were alarmed after the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank off the coast of Kochi. As per the latest reports, more than 35 containers have washed ashore. The ship was carrying a total of 640 containers, of which 73 were empty.

Customs officials have confirmed that the containers found so far were either empty or had previously been loaded with cotton.

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The ship carried hazardous chemicals including calcium carbide which has the potential to react violently with seawater tor produce highly flammable acetylene gas.

If the chemical remains underwater, the sea’s natural cleansing ability may help prevent major environmental impact. The government has deployed Rapid Response Teams as part of precautionary measures.

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