Containers from the feeder ship MSC ELSA III, which sank off the coast of Alappuzha, washed up on the Kollam coast. More containers may still float ashore, according to an alert that has been issued for Kollam. Along the Kollam seashore, nine containers have been discovered thus far.
So far, every retrieved container has been discovered to be empty. Residents in coastal areas that are at risk have been asked to leave and relocate to safer areas by the local government. In the meantime, Pinarayi Vijayan, the state chief minister, called an emergency meeting and cautioned fishermen from fishing within 20 nautical miles of the capsized vessel.
Two Pollution Control Board fast response teams have been assigned by the government to handle any potential oil spill from the capsized tanker that might reach the coastline. The Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Port Authority have also been requested to provide the tools required to stop any oil spills in the ocean.
The public has been strongly cautioned by the State Disaster Management Authority not to approach or come in contact with any containers or floating objects. The ship capsized off the coast of Alappuzha on Saturday while transporting more than 640 containers from Vizhinjam to Kochi. Seventy-three of the 640 containers were empty.
Twelve of the 13 containers reportedly contained calcium carbide and other dangerous substances. Additionally, the ship carried tanks with 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil and 84.44 metric tons of diesel for power generation.
With its sophisticated oil leak detecting systems, the Indian Coast Guard is keeping a careful eye on the region in case of an oil spill, but none has been recorded as of yet. According to local shipping circles, nine containers have washed up on shore, while the others are still submerged.
Depending on the water pressure and lashing circumstances, there is a possibility that the lashing will break way and more containers will come ashore. Salvors have reportedly been assigned to the wreck, however it is anticipated that the salvage work will begin after the monsoon.
