Fear looms in Kerala over sunken cargo vessel

A cargo ship that sank off the coast of Kochi has caused widespread panic in Kerala. Containers that fell from the Liberian-flagged MSC Elsa-3 are washing up on shores in Kollam and Alappuzha. There were a total of 643 containers on the ship. Of these, 13 are said to contain chemicals. While 12 of them are said to be calcium carbide, the contents in the 13th container remain a mystery.

A possible spread of these chemicals in the sea could torment fishermen's livelihood in the state.

Ships transport a variety of materials, including chemicals, explosives, and radioactive materials, which can pose a major threat to human life and the environment. Since the sunken ship is registered in Liberia, the veracity of claims made about the contents in the container needs to be questioned. Any manipulation can take place in the ports of underdeveloped countries where bribery and corruption thrive. A proper inspection is warranted before the information about the containers is released to the public.

Chemical leaks from these containers, spreading toxins in the atmosphere and sea can destroy the ecosystem of the coastal sea. Any direct contact with these toxins would inflict lifelong health issues. Therefore, the authorities should take all necessary measures to prevent any harm to nature and humans due to this accident. It is vital to make contact with countries or ports that have successfully come out unhurt from a similar crisis. Emulating the same here in Kerala would quell the tensions. Similarly, the possibility of containers floating in the sea colliding with other vessels before reaching the shore and causing an accident cannot be ruled out. The Navy and the Coast Guard should issue warnings in this regard.

Containers have hit the shore in Kollam and Alappuzha on the Kerala coast. Authorities are currently taking necessary precautions. Navy and Coast Guard forces were able to rescue all 24 crew members, including the captain, from the sunken ship, and it was a great achievement. It is impossible to confirm if the sunken ship could be brought back ashore. Whatever the case, all the containers need to be found or else the tensions will spread among the populace.