As containers from the ship began washing ashore near Alappuzha and Kollam, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) collected water samples on Monday to assess the extent of contamination, with results expected by Wednesday or Thursday.

The spill’s impact on marine ecosystems—especially during the monsoon season, when pelagic fish breeding peaks—is a growing concern. “Oil smothering can endanger sensitive marine species, disrupt coastal fishing, and negatively affect artisanal fishers,” said Dr. George. “If widespread, it could threaten marine productivity and derail what was expected to be a strong fishing season.”

CMFRI has launched field surveys and sample collection efforts to monitor the spill’s movement and potential effects on biodiversity.

Authorities have advised fishermen to avoid fishing within 20 nautical miles (38 km) of the affected coastal belt. In parallel, public awareness campaigns are underway to discourage locals from venturing near the contaminated zones.

Disaster response & political outreach
Hibi Eden, MP, called for urgent action by the consultative committee on shipping and has requested Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to ensure strict adherence to marine safety norms to avoid future mishaps. The Minister confirmed that the Indian Coast Guard and the Director General of Shipping are actively monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, Sekhar L. Kuriakose, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), advised the public to maintain a 200-metre safety distance from any container or object that has drifted ashore. The KSDMA is also supporting salvage operations by providing trailers and logistics to remove hazardous materials safely.

As clean-up operations continue, environmentalists and marine scientists stress the urgency of containing the oil spill to minimize damage to the region’s fragile coastal ecosystem and livelihoods dependent on fishing.

Image credit: safety4sea.com