Ship carrying explosive chemicals sinks in Kochi waters – How dangerous is it?

Shipping accidents are among the most unpredictable yet devastating environmental threats coastal regions face. Trade vessels crisscross oceans daily, but even a single incident can impact ocean ecosystems, economies, and communities.The Arabian Sea, especially along the Kerala coast, is not just a busy trade route but also a biodiversity hotspot and a livelihood source for thousands of fishing families. It is precisely this fragile balance that now hangs in the air following the sinking of the MSC ELSA 3.Something that makes the situation worse is not just the sinking of a ship, but the mix of dangerous materials it was carrying, including fuels, chemicals, and particularly reactive compounds like calcium carbide.In regions like these, where marine life and tourism grow, and fishing sustains entire communities, a potential oil and chemical spill poses a threat of long-term ecological and economic damage.Recently, a major soil spillage took place off the Kerala coast when the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank about 38 nautical miles from Kochi after one of its cargo holds flooded. While all 24 crew members were rescued in a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Navy, what concerns is the environmental threat that the vessel and diesel now poses.According to officials, the ship was carrying 84.44 metric tons of diesel, 367.1 metric tons of furnace oil, and 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts violently with water.In response, the ICG has deployed its pollution control vessel ‘Saksham’ and surveillance aircraft to monitor the area using advanced oil spill detection tools. So far, no leak has been officially reported, but the situation remains tense.The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued public warnings, urging people not to approach any containers or materials that may wash up on shore. They emphasized the risk of a leak involving marine gas oil or very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), which could have catastrophic effects on Kerala’s delicate marine ecosystems.Of particular concern is calcium carbide, which reacts exothermically with water to produce acetylene gas, a highly flammable substance, along with calcium hydroxide, which can alter water pH and harm aquatic life.Floating containers have already been spotted drifting away from the wreck, and authorities warn some may reach the shore. Fisherfolk and coastal residents have been urged to stay alert and report any unusual sightings.