CMLRE publishes report on ecological impact of ELSA 3 shipwreck off Kerala
The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences published a report on 19 September 2025 on the ecological impact of the ELSA 3 shipwreck in the south-eastern Arabian Sea.
Summary
The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences published a report on 19 September 2025 on the ecological impact of the ELSA 3 shipwreck in the south-eastern Arabian Sea. A research cruise on FORV Sagar Sampada from 2 to 12 June 2025 sampled 23 locations between Kochi and Kanyakumari. The wreck lies at a depth of 54 metres. According to official reports, the ship was carrying 367 tonnes of furnace oil and 84 tonnes of low-sulphur diesel. Initial surveys found an oil slick of nearly two square miles and elevated petroleum-derived pollutants.
Key facts
- Published
- 19 Sep 2025, CMLRE (MoES)
- Survey
- FORV Sagar Sampada, 2–12 Jun 2025; 23 locations, Kochi–Kanyakumari
- Wreck depth
- 54 m
- Cargo fuel
- 367 t furnace oil; 84 t low-sulphur diesel
- Finding
- Oil slick ~2 sq miles; elevated pollutants
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Which research vessel was used by CMLRE to study the ecological impact of the ELSA 3 shipwreck in 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The research cruise was carried out on FORV Sagar Sampada from 2 to 12 June 2025.