Environmentalists call for disclosure of Kerala’s chemical leaks

In the aftermath of the sinking of a Liberian cargo ship, MSC Elsa 3, off the coast of Kerala, environmentalists are demanding disclosure of the nature and quantity of chemicals involved in the incident. According to environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE), the sunken commercial vessel was carrying 640 containers at the time of the incident, including 13 containers with dangerous goods and 12 with calcium carbide. The oil spill and chemical leakage, likely caused by the sinking of the cargo ship, have had severe impacts on coastal ecosystems and fisheries. In the interest of safeguarding marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods for fishermen, environmentalists are insisting on the immediate implementation of comprehensive measures. These demands, as articulated by Sarath Cheloor, National Coordinator of FoE-India, encompass the establishment of rigorous safety protocols and the development of an emergency response mechanism.