Key points
- At least eight cargo containers from the capsized MSC Elsa 3 washed ashore in Kollam, Kerala
- Authorities fear some containers may carry hazardous or inflammable materials
- A 200-metre safety cordon has been enforced; public urged to stay away from affected beaches
ISLAMABAD: Panic spread along Indian state of Kerala’s coastline on Monday morning as cargo containers from a capsized Liberian-flagged ship, MSC Elsa 3, began washing ashore in Kollam district.
Authorities rushed to cordon off beaches amid rising fears that some containers may contain hazardous or flammable chemicals, prompting urgent safety advisories to the public.
Hazard alert
According to The Hindu, the spectre of possible leakage of hazardous chemicals loomed large in Kerala early Monday (May 26, 2025), with at least eight shipping containers from the capsized Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 washing up on Neendakara, Karunagapally, and Shakthikulangara beaches in Kollam district.
According to the Hindustan Times, a cargo vessel carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, sank off the Kerala coast on Sunday, triggering fears of environmental damage along the coastline that prompted the state government to issue an alert, officials said, adding that all 24 members of the ship’s crew have been rescued.
Caution advised
The revenue and police authorities have counselled extreme caution and cordoned off the localities, given that some containers could contain hazardous and inflammable materials.
Sekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, has advised the public to maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from the beached containers.
