Recent maritime disasters in India are prompting urgent discussions about the necessity of stricter regulations on aging ships navigating the country’s waters. This comes in light of two significant incidents that have raised safety and environmental concerns.
The first incident involves the MSC Elsa 3, a 28-year-old containership that capsized off the coast of Kerala nearly three weeks ago. Following intense public criticism of governmental inaction, Kerala’s coastal police have filed a criminal case against the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the ship’s captain, and crew. The vessel, carrying over 600 containers, including hazardous materials and marine diesel, sank on May 25 while traveling from Vizhinjam Port to Kochi. The aftermath has resulted in environmental pollution, with containers and plastic pellets, known as nurdles, washing up along the state’s shoreline. Small oil slicks have also been observed near Alappuzha.
Charges against the MSC Elsa 3’s crew include rash navigation and negligent conduct in light of this incident, underscoring growing concerns about the operational safety of older ships.
Simultaneously, another vessel, the Wan Hai 503, which is 20 years old, has been engulfed in flames off the Kerala coast, raising alarms due to its precarious condition. The fire started between Beypore and Azhikkal ports, leading to extensive firefighting efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and a specialized team, though it continues to burn out of control. Despite the fire threatening the ship’s fuel storage tanks—holding 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel—the vessel remains afloat and is currently being monitored. Authorities have reconsidered their initial towing plans due to the risk of an explosion.
Additionally, concerns extend to drifting containers possibly affecting areas along the Kerala coast and even parts of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka as the ship shifts its position. Among the 22 crew members, 18 have been rescued, while four remain missing, emphasizing the ongoing rescue efforts at sea and from the air, as search teams continue to work diligently.
This situation not only highlights the challenges faced by maritime safety in India but also the importance of reviewing operational regulations for older vessels. As authorities assess these incidents, there is hope that they will lead to better policies and enhanced safety measures, potentially preventing future tragedies on India’s waters.