A LIBERIAN cargo ship carrying 640 containers onboard, including 13 hazardous cargoes, has capsized and sunk in the sea off the coast of Kerala, officials said on Sunday, raising fears of environmental damage. “In the early hours of 25 May, MSC ELSA 3 listed rapidly and capsized at position 09°18.76’N 076°08.12’E and sank,” a Coast Guard statement said on Sunday. It said the three remaining crew abandoned the sinking vessel and were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined operations last evening.

 

The ICG said the ship Saksham, equipped with pollution response equipment, has been positioned at the scene to respond to any oil spill scenario. Ofthe640containersonboard, 13 contained hazardous cargo, while 12 containers with calcium carbidewerepresent, it said. “Theshiphadinitstanks84.44 MTof dieseland367.1MT offurnace oil,” the ICG said. Presently, no oil spill has been reported, it added.