Dangerous oil is leaking(Dangerous  ) 

Kochi: The Liberian cargo ship, which was carrying a total of 640 containers including 13 containers filled with dangerous (Dangerous  )      material, sank in the sea near the Kerala coast on Sunday morning. The sinking of the ship has caused a massive oil spill in the sea. In view of this, the Kerala government has issued an alert across the state and advised fishermen not to go into the sea. It has been said that the Coast Guard is working to stop the oil spill. The naval ship has rescued all 24 members on board the sinking ship.

Dangerous oil is leaking

The Coast Guard gave information stating that on the morning of 25 May 2025, the ship ‘MSC ELSA 3’ started tilting rapidly and eventually sank after capsizing. The incident has led to a significant oil spill, with fuel flowing at a speed of about three kilometres per hour. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said the ship’s tanks contained 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of ‘furnace oil’, besides hazardous substances like calcium carbide in the container.

How dangerous is calcium carbide

The ICG said calcium carbide is a chemical that reacts with seawater to emit highly flammable acetylene gas. A meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak confirmed a significant oil spill from the ship and an alert has been issued across the state. According to an official note issued after the meeting, the leaked fuel is spreading at a speed of about three kilometres per hour.

When calcium carbide comes in contact with water, it triggers a fast and intense chemical reaction. This reaction forms acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide and releases a considerable amount of heat. Since acetylene is a highly flammable gas, this reaction can be dangerous, especially in places where large quantities of calcium carbide are stored or handled.

The reaction between calcium carbide and water releases calcium hydroxide, which increases the alkalinity of the water. This increase in pH can disturb the aquatic ecosystem by affecting the health, reproduction and survival of aquatic species.

Special advice has been given to the citizens

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also cautioned the general public against touching any container or oil spill that may come ashore. They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they see any container or oil on the shore. According to the Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), there is a possibility that the contents (including containers and oil) may drift ashore. The KSDMA has also warned that oil slicks may be visible in some parts of the coast.