The recent capsize of a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel off the coast of Kerala is a stark reminder of how ill prepared we are for ecological emergencies in our maritime zones. While the swift rescue of all 24 crew members is commendable, the deeper crisis lies in what the sea has now inherited ~ a toxic brew of oil, diesel, and hazardous cargo, some of which is already drifting dangerously close to our shores. This is not just a shipping mishap; it is a wake-up call. The vessel was carrying over 450 metric tonnes of fuel and chemicals, including calcium carbide, which reacts with seawater to release flammable acetylene gas. With containers washing ashore and emergency alerts sounding along the Kerala coastline, the threat has quickly shifted from offshore to onshore. Coastal residents have been warned not to touch any debris, and fishermen have been advised to steer clear of the wreck........

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