Study on Keralam ELSA-3 shipwreck shows persistent nurdle pollution, evolving ecological impacts
A scientific study confirms that the 2025 sinking of the MSC ELSA-3 off the Kerala coast has caused persistent microplastic pollution. Researchers found that the spill of plastic resin pellets is having evolving ecological impacts on the Indian coastline.
Why it matters
The incident represents a significant environmental disaster, prompting legal action and highlighting the long-term dangers of industrial maritime accidents.
A scientific study following the sinking and spill from the container vessel MSC ELSA-3 off the coast of Keralam last year has provided evidence of persistent nurdle pollution and evolving ecological impacts along Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts.
India experienced its first documented large-scale marine resin pellet spill following the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA-3 off the Kerala coast in May 2025. The vessel was carrying approximately 640 containers loaded with plastic resin pellets, industrial materials, and hazardous cargo including calcium carbide, together with substantial quantities of diesel and furnace oil.
In the aftermath of the accident, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) initiated short term (rapid) and long term (two years) impact assessment studies through Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi.
Tamil Nadu’s fear of flotsam from a ship that sank off Kerala coast
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