New Delhi: A ship belonging to Liberia and containing over 600 containers has sunk off the coast of Kochi in Kerala triggering alarm over major oil spill and harmful chemicals like calcium carbide. The ship started tilting on Saturday with the crew being rescued safely on Sunday.
The vessel was also carrying 14 containers of hazardous chemicals due to which environmental related concerns have been raised after its sinking.
Meanwhile, an advisory has been issued by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) urging public against touching any container or chemical that could wash up along the Kochi coastline.
A statewide alert has also been issued to fishermen to stop venturing into the sea keeping in view oil spill and chemical leakage.
Amid the environmental impact of the chemical and oil leakage, the Indian Coastguard has initiated efforts to contain the oil spill and its potential environmental effect. The coast guard said it is coordinating with Kerala authorities in minimising the potential damage caused by spill.
What chemical and oils vessel contained?
According to reports, the sunken Liberian ship was carrying 367 metric tonnes of furnace oil and 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel oil. Apart from other hazardous chemicals, the ship was also carrying calcium carbide. This chemical, when reacts with seawater, releases highly flammable acetylene gas.
The ship also carried Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), said a report in Hindustan Times citing Coast Guard Official.
