Environmentalists Demand Full Disclosure on Hazardous Waste Leakages from MSC Elsa 3

Image Source : The New Indian Express

Following the sinking of the Liberian cargo ship MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast, environmental groups are calling for immediate transparency regarding the hazardous materials onboard. Concerns have been raised over the potential impact on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, prompting demands for urgent intervention.

Key Concerns Raised by Environmental Groups
- The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide.
- Reports indicate that 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil may have leaked into the sea, creating an oil slick.
- Calcium carbide, when exposed to seawater, produces acetylene gas, which is highly flammable and poses explosion risks.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Communities
- Floating containers from the wreckage are drifting toward Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kanyakumari, raising concerns over pollution and safety.
- Oil spills and chemical leaks threaten marine life, potentially harming fish populations and destabilizing the coastal ecosystem.
- Fisherfolk are demanding compensation for lost fishing days, citing disruptions caused by contamination risks.

Legal and Regulatory Demands
- Activists are urging authorities to enforce strict liability on the shipowner under the 1992 International Civil Liability Convention.
- Historical precedents, including the Braer incident in 1993 and the Hebei Spirit oil spill in 2007, highlight the need for compensation for affected communities.
- Environmental groups are advocating for the formulation of safety protocols and an emergency response mechanism to prevent future maritime disasters.

Future Outlook and Response Measures
- Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with cleanup operations underway to mitigate environmental damage.
- The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings to residents, advising caution near washed-up debris.
- International environmental organizations are expected to push for stricter regulations on hazardous cargo transportation.

Source: MSN, New Indian Express, Janta Serishta, Maritime Hub.