Oil spill threatens sensitive marine species: Scientists

Marine species threatened after this week's shipwreck, which left hundreds of cargo containers floating off Kerala coasts in the Arabian Sea; containers washed up in several places

- Ashraf Padanna

Scientists have warned of danger to sensitive marine species after this week's shipwreck, which left hundreds of cargo containers floating off Kerala coasts in the Arabian Sea.

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) director, Dr Grinson George, said the federal organisation was closely monitoring the situation following reports of a possible oil spill.

He said the monsoon season typically supports high marine productivity, and researchers at his institute had anticipated a strong fishing season.

The impact scale depends on the amount of leakage and how the spread is contained.

"CMFRI has begun field surveys, collecting samples and tracking the spill’s movement to assess its ecological effects," he told the Gulf Today.

"We urge coordinated efforts to minimise damage and will provide updates as more data becomes available."

The authorities have placed the coastline on high alert after the Liberian cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3, sank on Sunday.

Dozens of containers have since been washed up in several places in the Alappuzha, Kollam and Trivandrum districts.