What Happened to the Container Ship Capsizing Off the Kerala Coast?
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Synopsis
A container ship has capsized off the Kerala coast, leading to a hazardous material spill. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued urgent warnings. Join us as we explore the incident and its implications for the environment and local communities.
Key Takeaways
- Container ship capsized off the Kerala coast.
- Hazardous materials spill reported by Indian Coast Guard.
- KSDMA issues urgent warnings to the public.
- Rescue operations underway for the crew.
- Environmental impact under scrutiny.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 (NationPress) The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a critical alert following reports from the Indian Coast Guard regarding the spillage of hazardous materials from a vessel in deep waters off the coast of Kerala. A container ship, notably sailing towards Kochi, has capsized.
The incident transpired approximately 38 nautical miles (nearly 70 km) away from Kochi's coastline when the vessel, registered under a Liberian flag, was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi. The ship was anticipated to dock in Kochi by Saturday evening.
This vessel was transporting marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), which led to the loss of about 10 containers into the ocean.
VLSFO is a type of marine fuel containing a maximum sulphur concentration of 0.5 percent (mass), essential for adhering to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 regulations.
In a statement to the press, Sekhar Kuriakose, the member secretary of KSDMA, revealed he was notified of the capsizing incident by the Coast Guard.
"I promptly connected with our state authorities and was instructed to relay this information to the media. The warning is clear: no one should attempt to touch this oil spill if it reaches our state's coastline,” Kuriakose emphasized.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) functions as a statutory body under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Kerala.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that out of the 24 crew members aboard, nine have been rescued, and Coast Guard rescue operations are actively ongoing.
The ship was scheduled to arrive at Cochin Port later that day when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Further details regarding the capsizing event and the container ship are awaited.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the gravity of this incident. The spillage of hazardous materials poses a serious threat to both marine life and local communities. We must prioritize safety and environmental protection while supporting the ongoing rescue efforts.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the container ship to capsize?
The exact cause of the capsizing is still under investigation, but it occurred while the ship was sailing towards Kochi.
What hazardous materials were involved?
The ship was carrying marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).
How many crew members were on board?
There were 24 crew members on the ship, of which nine have been rescued.
What should residents do if they see the oil spill?
Residents are advised not to touch the oil spill and to report any sightings to local authorities.
Are there any environmental risks from this incident?
Yes, the spill poses a significant threat to marine life and the coastal environment.
