The Hindu Editorial Analysis
30 May 2025
Danger in the sea: India’s response to maritime disasters must be faster and better
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 3: Disaster Management | Environment & Ecology | Maritime Security | Logistics & Infrastructure
Context
- The recent sinking of the cargo ship MSC Elsa 3 off the coast of Kochi has raised serious concerns about India’s preparedness for maritime accidents.
- With over 640 containers—many holding hazardous materials like calcium carbide and rubber solution—and a risk of fuel oil leakage, the incident underscores the gaps in India’s disaster response mechanisms for sea-based emergencies.
Introduction
The sea brings trade and opportunity—but also risk.
The sinking of MSC Elsa 3 is a stark reminder that India’s maritime infrastructure is growing faster than its ability to manage accidents at sea.
The nation must build rapid, coordinated, and transparent maritime disaster protocols before the next crisis strikes.
What Happened? The MSC Elsa 3 Incident
1. Ship Breakdown and Abandonment
- The vessel started tilting due to an operational issue and was abandoned by its crew.
- Now lies 50 meters below sea level near Kochi with cargo still on board.
2. Cargo Hazards
- Out of 640+ containers, 13 contained hazardous materials, including calcium carbide, which reacts with water to release flammable gases.
- Plastic pellets, rubber solution, and 365 tonnes of heavy fuel oil remain inside, posing a grave threat.
3. Environmental and Public Risk
- Monsoon weather has already scattered some containers.
- Oil spill and toxic waste leakage are immediate concerns if not quickly addressed.
The Core Issue: Slow and Fragmented Response
1. Past Failures and Protocol Gaps
- The 2017 Chennai oil spill showed delays due to poor coordination between agencies.
- Despite protocols under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP), execution remains weak.
2. Kerala’s Quick Mobilisation
- In contrast, Kerala has shown proactive efforts with better coordination and faster engagement of salvors.
- It remains to be seen if this readiness translates into efficient removal of hazards.
India’s Growing Maritime Exposure
1. Increasing Coastal Traffic and Risks
- With expanding ports and inland waterway ambitions, India is poised for significant maritime growth.
- But with growth comes risk: toxic cargo, fuel spills, marine pollution, and lack of inspection protocols.
2. Need for Maritime Risk Mapping and Preparedness
- India needs a national-level real-time tracking system for containerised cargo, including hazardous materials.
- All major ports must maintain disaster-ready salvage teams, spill response drills, and digital cargo inventories.
Recommendations
- Audit all shipping cargo entering Indian ports, especially hazardous goods.
- Strengthen Coast Guard and maritime response capacity under NOS-DCP.
- Implement real-time coordination frameworks between port authorities, customs, and disaster management agencies.
- Equip port cities with dedicated marine disaster response units trained in oil spill containment and hazardous waste management.
Conclusion
Maritime growth must not come at the cost of marine safety.
The sinking of MSC Elsa 3 is not just an accident—it is a wake-up call.
India must treat maritime disaster preparedness as a core part of its infrastructure and environmental agenda, not an afterthought.
What we do now will determine whether future maritime disasters sink more than just ships—they could erode public trust, ecosystems, and national credibility.