Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is conducting rescue of crew members and facilitating towing operations of the vessel, which caught fire off Kerala and drifted within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• Previously, last month, a container ship sank off the coast of Kerala with hazardous cargo washed ashore raising concerns about maritime disasters and safety.

Risks of disasters associated with Maritime Shipping

• Sea and its hazards: Risks may be predictable (storm, frost) or unpredictable (tsunami, a submarine or a piece of wreckage, a contact with a mine).
  • Risks get bigger in straits, channels (Panama, Suez) and the “sea highways”, due to numerous wrecks in shallow waters.
• State of the ship: The growing density of ferries with higher tonnage and old age and technology of ships.
• New risks: Transport of hazardous chemical products, dangerous cargo, nuclear wastes, submarines and weapons, etc.
• Others: Human error, wars, maritime piracy, terrorism, etc.

Consequences 

• Environment: Marine pollution such as oil spills, loss of biodiversity, ballast water contamination, etc.
• Health: Toxic exposure from chemicals/oil can cause long-term health issues for cleanup workers and locals, etc.
• Economic loss and safety: Devaluation of the shores, beach cleanup operations, loss of coastal livelihoods, deteriorating tourism, etc.