Thiruvananthapuram: The ill-fated Liberian cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the coast of Kochi on May 24, was carrying a wide range of cargo from everyday goods like coconuts and cotton to hazardous chemicals like calcium carbide, according to reports.

The ship, which capsized and later sank completely 38 nautical miles (70.37 km) off the Kochi coast, had 643 containers onboard as per government records. However, the ship authorities have so far submitted a list accounting for 640 containers.

Among the most concerning revelations is that 13 of the containers were carrying calcium carbide, a chemical compound that reacts dangerously with water to release acetylene gas, which is toxic when inhaled. Seven of these containers have fallen into the sea, raising serious environmental and safety concerns, while the remaining six are reportedly still onboard the sunken vessel.

In addition to the hazardous materials, the ship carried a variety of commercial and industrial goods:

71 containers were empty

46 containers held coconuts and cashew nuts

87 contained wood

60 contained polymer raw materials

39 containers were filled with cotton, likely intended for the textile industry

4 containers were marked ‘CASH’, the contents of which remain unspecified

The sinking has prompted public concern and judicial intervention, with the Kerala High Court directing the government to disclose full details of the cargo. The court stressed the public’s right to know, especially in light of the potential environmental fallout.