Thiruvananthapuram: In a decisive move, the Kerala government has officially declared the wreckage of the Liberian container ship MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Kochi coast on May 25, a state-specific disaster. This declaration comes in response to the significant environmental, social, and economic challenges posed by the maritime incident.

The MSC Elsa 3, route from Vizhinjam to Cochin Port, capsized approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, carrying 640 containers. The incident has led to widespread concerns, including potential oil spills and the drifting of debris along Kerala’s coastline. The state government's decision enables the activation of disaster response protocols and facilitates coordinated efforts for mitigation and recovery.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly initiated a comprehensive pollution response operation. Surveillance aircraft detected an oil slick at the site within hours of the vessel's submergence. ICG Ship Saksham was deployed immediately, and an ICG Dornier aircraft conducted aerial assessments and dispersed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) across the affected zone. Additionally, the Mercantile Marine Department in Kochi has issued a pollution liability warning to the vessel owners under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The shipping company has appointed T&T Salvage to recover containers, remove oil, and clean up the environment.

Local communities along the coast have been advised to avoid handling any cargo or debris that may wash ashore. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further environmental degradation and ensure the safety of the public.

This declaration underscores the state's commitment to addressing the multifaceted impacts of the shipwreck and mobilizing resources for effective disaster management.