Kerala , May 27: As part of the urgent multi-agency efforts to avert a marine pollution disaster caused by the oil spillage from the Liberian MSC ELSA III cargo ship that capsized off the Kerala coast near Kochi, the Indian Coast Guard has deployed three large ships, ICG Samarth, ICG Saksham and ICG Vikram, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday.
He said all possible steps are being taken to protect the coastal environment from any threat arising from the oil spill and broken containers.
He held a detailed review meeting with the Director General of Shipping, Shipping Secretary and other senior officials to assess the situation arising out of the sinking of the Liberian MSC ELSA 11 cargo ship off the coast of Kochi.
After the meeting, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal posted on Twitter, "We are fully committed to ensuring the full protection of the 13 containers of marine oil and other hazardous materials being transported. All the crew members of the ship have been safely rescued with the help of the Indian Coast Guard.
"On May 26, while approaching the Kochi coast from Villijum, the Liberian flagged carrier capsized, causing 13 containers of marine oil and other hazardous materials to fall into the sea.