What Are the Impacts of the Sunken Cargo Ship on Kanyakumari's Coastal Villages?
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Synopsis
The sinking of the MSC ELSA-3 has left 22 villages in Kanyakumari grappling with debris. With hazardous materials washing ashore, the situation calls for urgent action. Discover how local authorities and volunteers are responding to this environmental crisis.
Key Takeaways
- 22 coastal villages in Kanyakumari are affected by debris.
- The MSC ELSA-3 sank off the Kerala coast on May 24.
- Debris includes plastic pellets and wooden logs.
- A 24x7 control room has been established for reporting debris.
- Local communities and NGOs are actively involved in clean-up efforts.
Chennai, May 31 (NationPress) A minimum of 22 coastal villages in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district have reported being impacted by debris from the sunken Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA-3, which sank off the Kerala coast on May 24. The wreckage, including plastic pellets, wooden logs, and even a container, has been gradually washing ashore in the villages of Killiyoor and Kalkulam taluks over the last three days.
The vessel was carrying a total of 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 with calcium carbide. Furthermore, it had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil onboard.
While the initial impact of the sinking was felt along the Kerala coastline, debris is now appearing further southeast in Tamil Nadu.
Kanyakumari district consists of 42 coastal villages — 16 in Killiyoor taluk, 13 in Kalkulam taluk, and 13 in Agasteeswaram taluk. Among these, 12 villages in Killiyoor and 10 in Kalkulam have reported debris washing ashore.
Some of the most severely affected areas include Neerodi, Eraviputhenthurai, Enayam, Chinnathurai, Thoothoor, Periyavilai, Chinnavilai, Kadiyapattinam, Kurumbanai, Kodimunai, Simon Colony, and Mandaikaaduputhoor, where significant amounts of plastic pellets and loose nurdles have been discovered.
Wooden logs were recovered from the shore at Vallavilai, while a cargo container was found at Vaniyakudi. In Midalam, residents stumbled upon bags of cashew nuts and iron rods. After receiving reports about the container at Vaniyakudi, authorities acted promptly.
A three-member expert team from a shipping firm based in Gujarat, along with a coastal police commandant and eight personnel, arrived at the site on Friday to assist with salvage operations.
Meanwhile, local conservancy workers, supported by NGO volunteers, have been tirelessly cleaning the beaches of debris.
To enhance response efforts, the Kanyakumari district administration has established a 24x7 control room for the public to report sightings of debris.
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Point of View
The incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive maritime safety regulations and environmental protection measures to prevent such disasters in the future. The response from local authorities and community organizations showcases a collective effort to address the immediate impacts while looking towards sustainable solutions.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the debris to wash ashore in Kanyakumari?
The debris is a result of the sinking of the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3, which went down off the Kerala coast on May 24, carrying hazardous materials.
How many villages are affected by the debris?
A total of 22 coastal villages in Kanyakumari district have been reported affected by the debris from the sunken cargo ship.
What types of debris have been found?
The debris includes plastic pellets, wooden logs, a cargo container, bags of cashew nuts, and iron rods.
What actions are being taken to address the situation?
Local authorities, aided by NGO volunteers, are conducting clean-up operations, and a 24x7 control room has been set up for reporting debris sightings.
Is there any hazardous material involved?
Yes, the ship was carrying hazardous materials, including calcium carbide, which poses environmental risks.
