Kerala mulls action against vessel over pollution threat

Fearing large scale environmental pollution, Kerala government is considering legal action against the Liberian vessel MSC Elsa, which sank off Kerala coast on Saturday, emptying containers said to contain harzardous chemicals into the Arabian sea.

- AM Abdussalam

Government has sought legal advice from the Advocate General before initiating criminal and civil proceedings against the shipping company. The primary concern is the environmental issues arising along the coast due to the sunken vessel. Containers from the ship are washing ashore along the Kerala coastline. So far, around 44 containers have drifted to the shores of Kollam, Alappuzha and Trivandrum districts. Although measures are being taken to prevent oil spills, the possibility of oil reaching the Kerala coast cannot be ruled out. This may endanger marine species including fish, affecting livelihood of fisherfolk. Fish caught from coasts affected by the debris may also trigger contamination fears. If legal advice recommends registering an FIR, a case may be filed agains