Feature Image: © Indian Coast Guard
Authorities have issued a formal notice to begin oil extraction from the sunken Liberian-flagged containership Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Elsa 3, which sank off Kerala’s coast, amid mounting environmental concerns.
Media outlet Onmanorama revealed that the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has directed MSC Shipmanagement Limited and the appointed salvors to commence fuel oil removal immediately or face legal action.
Delays have reportedly occurred due to difficulties in mobilising the saturation diving support vessel SEAMEC III and securing visas for specialised divers.
To date, only limited air diving has been conducted, insufficient to cap the fuel tanks and stop oil seepage.
Offshore vessels, including the Indian Coast Guard’s ICGS Samudra Prahari, remain on site to monitor and contain light oil sheens.
READ: MSC eyes Damen Mangalia shipyard takeover
Onshore, Marine Emergency Response Services (MERC) continues container recovery and shoreline cleanup, having retrieved 51 of 61 containers washed ashore, none of which contained hazardous materials.
The MSC Elsa 3 sank on 25 May after developing a severe starboard list caused by ballast water management failure, leading to a blackout. All 24 crew members were safely evacuated.
With the monsoon season approaching, timely salvage is critical to prevent further environmental damage.
According to Onmanorama, MSC Shipmanagement Limited and T&T Salvage are now on final notice from the Indian government. Oil extraction must begin immediately, or legal action will follow.
In the meantime, Indian authorities successfully towed the Wan Hai 503 further offshore to contain the fire and reduce environmental risks.
