The cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 shipwreck carrying 643 containers occurred on 24-25 May 2025, approximately 39 nautical miles (Nm) south off Kochi, Kerala whereas the incident of MV Wan Hai 503 happened on 09th June 2025 at around 130 Nm North West of Kochi, Kerala. The Government of Kerala has informed that, in connection with MSC ELSA 3, the fishermen especially those of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulum districts were effected during 25^th May to 1^st June, 2025. 

The Government of Kerala has informed that in response to MSC ELSA 3 interim relief has already been provided to the affected fishermen with financial assistance @Rs.1000/- per family to 1,05,518 marine fishermen families (including 78,498 marine fishermen families and 24,020 allied fishermen families) from the SDRF, along with 6 kg of rice per family for compensating for their livelihood loss that occurred due to the mishap.

The Government of Kerala has informed that, in connection with MSC ELSA 3, as an immediate response, the Disaster Management Department of Kerala State had issued advisories to the fishermen on 25^th May, 2025, instructing fishermen not to venture within a 20 nautical mile radius of the sunken vessel. The Government of Kerala informed that high-level meeting was convened with the scientists of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and representatives of fishermen on 28th May, 2025 to discuss the possible ecological impact and necessary actions to be taken for protection of fishery resources and livelihood of fishermen. Accordingly, on 19.06.2025, a Joint Coordination Committee was constituted by the State Government of Kerala with representatives from KUFOS, CMFRI, CIFT, State Pollution Control Board, Food Safety, National Health Mission, and Coastal Police to review the scenario and to conduct necessary sampling, testing of water, and fish in accordance with the standard protocols. The test reports revealed that the fish samples were all in good condition, and no objectionable smell or flavour was observed, and the pH, salinity and the conductivity of water samples were within the normal range. The preliminary analysis of water and fish samples revealed that there were no trace or the presence of oil content, no direct evidence to prove the presence of hazardous chemicals, and that the fish samples from the coasts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kollam, etc. were safe for consumption. It is also been informed that the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has been entrusted through the Environment Department of Kerala to undertake multi-sectoral loss assessment and impact study both short term and long term.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has approved the projects worth of Rs.13.02 crore for installation of artificial reefs along the Kerala coast for rejuvenation and restoration of fish stocks. Government of India is committed for long-term sustainability and biodiversity protection with coordinated efforts of related Ministries.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 22nd July, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2146838)