Shipwreck off the Kerala coast in May led to significant ecological disruption: report

New Delhi The sinking of the ELSA 3 ship off the Kerala coast in May led to a significant ecological disruption in the south-eastern Arabian Sea, affecting water quality, plankton, fish eggs and larvae, and higher marine life, a new study has said. In a statement, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said the persistence of oil even after several days, despite prevailing turbulence and current flows, highlights the risk of continued leakage. The study, conducted by the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), underscores the urgent need for sealing of the wreck’s fuel compartments and long-term monitoring of the impacted region to safeguard marine ecosystems and fisheries resources.