Why in News?

On May 25, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship carrying 640 containers — including 13 with hazardous materials — capsized and sank off the Kerala coast. All crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy.

The incident raised concerns about a possible oil spill. The Indian Coast Guard deployed Saksham, a ship with pollution response equipment, to handle any spill risks.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Cause of Capsizing
• Oil Spill
• International Framework Dealing with Oil Spill: MARPOL Convention
• Methods of Oil Spill Cleanup
• Challenges in Cleanup
• Advisory for Local Population Following Shipwreck Near Kerala Coast

Cause of Capsizing

• The cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 capsized rapidly in the early hours of May 25 due to flooding in one of its cargo holds, as confirmed by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • A hold refers to a below-deck compartment used for storing cargo.
• The ship had departed from Vizhinjam port and was headed to Kochi at the time of the incident.
• Cargo and Fuel Details
  • The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including:
    • 13 with hazardous cargo
    • 12 with calcium carbide
    • 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel
    • 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil
• Oil Spill Monitoring
  • ICG deployed aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology to monitor the situation. As of now, no oil spill has been reported.

Oil Spill

• An oil spill occurs when oil accidentally enters oceans, seas, or rivers due to natural disasters, human error, or equipment failure.
• It spreads quickly and forms a layer on the water surface because of its lighter density.
• Environmental Impact
  • The oil layer blocks sunlight, affecting photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production and food chains.
• Harm to Marine Life
  • Birds lose insulation as oil coats their feathers, leading to hypothermia and drowning.
  • Fish and invertebrates may suffer reproductive and growth issues, as noted by the US EPA.
• Severity Factors
  • The impact depends on:
    • Type and volume of oil
    • Weather conditions
    • Proximity to sensitive ecosystems
• Long-Term Consequences
  • Severe spills can have decades-long impacts.
  • For instance, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster released over 4 million barrels of oil over 87 days into the Gulf of Mexico, killing thousands of wildlife.

International Framework Dealing with Oil Spill: MARPOL Convention

• Oil spill prevention is governed by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
  • Originated after major oil spill disasters in the 1970s.
  • The key protocol was issued in 1978.
  • India is a signatory to MARPOL.
• Scope of MARPOL
  • MARPOL includes six annexes, covering pollution from:
    • Oil
    • Noxious liquid substances
    • Dangerous goods in packaged form
    • Sewage
    • Garbage
    • Air pollution from ships
• Domestic Implementation in India
• Enforced through the Merchant Shipping Act.
• Includes provisions for civil liability and pollution prevention certificates.
• Indian ships and foreign ships in Indian waters must comply.
• Preparedness and Enforcement
  • Ports must have oil spill contingency plans.
  • The Indian Coast Guard is the nodal agency for oil spill response and enforcement.

Methods of Oil Spill Cleanup

• Skimming
  • Involves removing oil from the sea surface before it reaches the coast.
  • Most effective in calm seas.
• In Situ Burning
  • Involves burning concentrated patches of oil directly on the water.
  • Quick but may produce toxic fumes.
• Chemical Dispersants
  • Break down oil into smaller droplets.
  • Helps microbes degrade oil into less harmful substances.
  • Can be harmful to marine ecosystems.

Challenges in Cleanup

• Rapid Spread of Oil - Oil disperses quickly across water surfaces.
• Weather Conditions - Rough seas and strong currents hinder cleanup.
• Variation in Oil Types - Some oils sink or mix with water (emulsify), making removal harder.
• Environmental Trade-offs - Dispersants may impact marine life. Manual cleanup is slow, labour-intensive, and less effective in remote areas.

Advisory for Local Population Following Shipwreck Near Kerala Coast

• Public Safety Warning
  • The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned locals not to touch any cargo containers or oil that may wash ashore.
• Reporting Protocol
  • Residents are urged to immediately inform the police if they see containers or oil along the shore.
• Risk of Oil Contamination
  • Oil films may appear on the sea surface near the coast.
  • According to INCOIS, oil pollutants may reach Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha, and Karunagappally within 36–48 hours.
  • These areas are at risk of environmental contamination and need urgent monitoring and response.