Ship with Hazardous Cargo Sinks off Kerala Coast

Incident Overview

A cargo ship carrying dangerous materials sank off the Kerala coast early Sunday morning. As a result, the state is now on high alert. The ship went down in deep waters just a few miles from land. Authorities fear the spill could reach the coast within hours. Consequently, the oil spill poses a major threat to the sea, marine life, fishing, and people who depend on the ocean.

Rescue Operation and Cargo Details

India’s defence ministry said rescue teams acted fast after they received the emergency call. Fortunately, they saved all 24 crew members, and no one was hurt. The ship had 640 containers. Out of these, thirteen held harmful materials, and twelve had calcium carbide. This chemical reacts with water and produces a flammable gas called acetylene. Therefore, it can cause fires or even explosions.
In addition, the ship carried over 450 tonnes of diesel and furnace oil. These fuels can badly harm the sea if they leak. According to officials, some containers may have broken open as the ship sank.

Environmental Concerns

Experts and government teams are watching the sea closely. They believe oil and chemicals may already be leaking. An oil slick has been seen near the shipwreck. This contamination, in turn, can hurt coral reefs, fish breeding areas, and sea turtles.
Moreover, the spill puts Kerala’s fishing industry at risk. Thousands of families rely on it for income. If the spill spreads, it may also damage tourism in beach towns. Due to these dangers, the state has sent out alerts and asked for national help.

Emergency Response

The Indian Coast Guard sent an aircraft with oil-sensing tools. Using these, it is checking the sea from above to track the spill. A pollution control ship also reached the area. This vessel brought tools like skimmers and booms to remove the oil.
Meanwhile, teams are placing barriers near the coast to stop the oil from spreading. At the same time, experts are testing water samples to measure pollution levels.

Public Warnings and Ongoing Action

The Kerala chief minister’s office warned people to stay away from floating containers or debris. These objects might be dangerous or explosive. In light of this, fishermen were told to avoid the area and pause fishing until it is safe.
Currently, emergency teams, coast guard, and environmental workers are trying to stop further leaks. They are cleaning the area and keeping the public updated.

Conclusion

This accident has raised concerns about moving harmful cargo through Indian waters. Therefore, experts are asking for stronger safety rules, better ship tracking, and quicker emergency steps. For the time being, response teams are working fast to protect the sea, animals, and people from more harm.