A cargo ship with 24 crew members on board, including Filipinos, sinks in the waters off Kerala, India. According to a report by the Indian Navy, the ship with the Liberian flag was carrying dangerous cargo, such as chemicals. All the passengers from various countries such as Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines were rescued safely.
According to the report, the MSC ELSA 3, which is 184 metres long, sent a distress signal while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi. It was found 38 nautical miles from Kochi and floating in a dangerous position. It was carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous containers and 12 containers of calcium carbide—a chemical used in fertilizer and steelmaking.
In addition, it is also carrying approximately 370 tons of oil and fuel. So far, no oil spill has been reported, according to the Indian Coast Guard, but they are prepared in case of any environmental threat. Vigilance is ongoing to prevent possible pollution in the Kerala seas.
