CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
On May 25, 2025, a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3, overturned off the Kerala coast. The ship was transporting 640 containers, some of which contained hazardous materials. Thanks to a swift rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, all crew members were safely evacuated. However, the incident has triggered environmental concerns, particularly the risk of an oil spill affecting the region’s marine ecosystem.
Understanding Oil Spills
Oil spills occur when petroleum-based substances are released into marine or freshwater environments, often due to equipment malfunction, accidents, or natural disasters. These spills create an oily film on the water surface, reducing light penetration and hampering photosynthesis among aquatic plants and phytoplankton key producers of oxygen in marine habitats.
Impact On Marine Environment
The environmental consequences of oil spills depend on multiple variables, such as the nature and amount of oil released and the location of the spill. Immediate effects include toxic exposure to marine organisms. Birds often lose their natural insulation due to oil-soaked feathers, making them vulnerable to hypothermia. Fish and smaller aquatic life may suffer from reproductive disorders, while long-term contamination like that seen during the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 can have lasting effects on biodiversity and water quality.
Legal Framework And Preventive Measures
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) serves as a key regulatory framework for minimizing ship-based pollution. India, a signatory to MARPOL, enforces these standards alongside domestic legislation, particularly the Merchant Shipping Act, which governs maritime operations within Indian territorial waters.
Oil Spill Containment And Cleanup Methods
Various techniques are employed to manage and mitigate oil spills. These include:
Skimming: Physically removing oil from the water surface.
In-situ burning: Burning oil patches while still on the water.
Dispersants: Chemicals used to break down oil for easier degradation by microbes.
Despite these efforts, containment remains difficult due to the rapid spread and diverse composition of oil.
Public Safety And Coastal Monitoring
In response to the incident, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned residents not to touch any cargo or oil debris that may drift ashore. Citizens are urged to report any unusual items along the coast. Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has indicated that potential oil residues could reach nearby shores within 36–48 hours, emphasizing the need for immediate precautionary steps to limit environmental harm.
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