MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck caused significant ecological disruption in south-eastern Arabian Sea, finds study by CMLRE

A scientific investigation carried out by the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Ministry of Earth Sciences, has confirmed that the sinking of the container ship MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast on May 25, 2025 has led to significant ecological disruption in the south-eastern Arabian Sea.

The shipwreck impacted water quality, plankton, benthos, fish eggs and larvae, and higher marine life. The persistence of oil even after several days, despite prevailing turbulence and current flows, highlighted the risk of continued leakage. The study underscored 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, according to a communication.

The research cruise on-board FORV Sagar Sampada was carried out from June 2 to June 12, 2025, covering 23 sampling locations between Kochi and Kanyakumari, with closer observations near the wreck site.

The analysis of PAH (Polyaromatic hydrocarbons) fractions revealed the presence of compounds such as naphthalene, fluorene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene. The elevated levels of naphthalene, which normally indicate human-induced contamination, strongly suggested leakage from the wreck’s fuel compartments. In addition, higher concentrations of trace metals commonly associated with petroleum, including nickel, lead, copper, and vanadium, were detected in both water and sediments near the site. These findings confirmed that the wreck has become a local source of hydrocarbon and heavy-metal pollution, it said.

Impact on marine fauna

The study found that large numbers of fish eggs and larvae collected from the affected area showed signs of decay, suggesting possible mortality linked to oil exposure during this vulnerable stage. On the seafloor, benthic organisms showed clear signs of ecological stress.

Sensitive species declined sharply within days of the incident, leaving behind only pollution-tolerant worms and bivalves. This shift indicates acute disturbance of the seabed, with potential long-term consequences for sediment health and fisheries habitats, according to the communication.

The research revealed visible impacts extending to higher marine fauna as well. A Brown Noddy seabird (Anous stolidus) was observed taking prolonged shelter on the wreck, repeatedly preening its feathers, a typical behavioural response to oil contamination of plumage. Such incidents point towards the vulnerability of marine birds and higher organisms in the vicinity of the spill.