A disaster is brewing off the coast of India. A huge cargo ship, the MSC ELSA 3, has capsized in the Arabian Sea. The ship was carrying over 640 containers, including 13 filled with toxic chemicals and 12 with calcium carbide, which can react with seawater to produce flammable gas.
The ship was traveling from the port of Vizhinjam to Kochi when it got into trouble. All 24 crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy. But the real concern is the cargo. The ship was also carrying 84 tons of diesel and 367 tons of furnace oil, which could leak into the sea.
Environmental Fears
The Indian government has warned people living along the coast of Kerala to be careful. Oil spills can harm the environment and people’s health. The authorities have evacuated some areas and told people not to touch any oil or objects that wash up on the beach. Fishermen have been warned to stay away from the area where the ship sank.
The Indian Coast Guard has sent a ship with equipment to control the pollution. They’re also using aircraft to scan the area for oil spills. The cause of the accident was flooding in one of the ship’s compartments, which made it tilt and capsize early on Sunday.
People are worried about the impact on marine life. The ship was carrying dangerous chemicals that could harm fish and other sea creatures. The Indian government is taking steps to contain the damage, but it’s a big challenge.
What’s Next?
The authorities will have to work hard to clean up the spill and prevent further damage. They’ll need to be careful to protect the environment and the people living along the coast. It’s a difficult task, but they’re doing their best to contain the situation.
Source: BBC