Liberian Cargo ship carrying 640 containers capsizes in Arabian sea

A Liberian cargo ship carrying 640 containers, including 13 classified as containing hazardous materials, has sunk in the Arabian Sea off the coast of the Indian state of Kerala.

The incident has raised concerns about a potential oil spill in a region known for its rich biodiversity, officials said today.

"In the early hours of today (May 25), MSC ELSA 3 listed rapidly and capsized at position 09°18.76'N 076°08.12'E and sank," an Indian Coast Guard statement today said.

The 184-metre-long vessel's 24-member crew comprises one Russian, 20 Filipinos, two Ukrainians and one Georgian national.

The ICG said its ship "Saksham," equipped with pollution response equipment, has been positioned at the scene to respond to any oil spill scenario.

Of the 640 containers onboard, 13 contained hazardous cargo while 12 containers had calcium carbide, said the statement.

"The ship had in its tanks 84.44 tonnes of diesel and 367.1 tonnes of furnace oil," the ICG said.

Noting that the sensitive coast of Kerala is home to both vivid biodiversity and is a major tourist attraction, the statement said the ICG has geared up pollution response preparedness in coordination with the state administration for all possible scenarios.

"ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported," it added.

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard were exploring methods to assist in towing the vessel.

The Liberian container ship, carrying marine fuel, tilted several degrees about 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on Saturday, causing its cargo to spill into the sea.

An Indian defence ministry public relations officer said another vessel from the parent company had reached the area as part of the assistance efforts.

Authorities said all 24 crew members on board the vessel have been rescued.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.