Delhi, 26 May (H.S.): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) initiated a comprehensive pollution response operation following the sinking of the Liberian container vessel MV MSC ELSA 3 on May 25, 2025, about 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, Kerala. ICG surveillance aircraft quickly identified an oil slick at the sinking site. The ICG Ship Saksham, equipped for pollution response, was promptly deployed, and a Dornier aircraft conducted aerial evaluations while dispersing Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) in the impacted area.

By late morning, the oil slick was observed drifting at 1.5 to 2 knots, complicating response efforts due to rough seas and strong winds. Despite over 100 floating cargo containers, ICG maintained operations, diverting passing ships and warning mariners of the hazards. The agency intensified surveillance and spill mitigation with aerial sorties and specialized dispersal equipment, deploying two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for constant monitoring. The Mercantile Marine Department in Kochi issued a pollution liability warning to the vessel owners, while T&T Salvage was appointed for environmental recovery efforts, with the ICG advising local administrations on shoreline clean-up preparations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar