The MSC ELSA 3 was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, 12 with calcium carbide, 367 tonnes of furnace oil, and 84 tonnes of diesel, raising concerns about additional environmental risks. The shipping company, so far, has not revealed the cargo manifest, leads several speculation on the materials being carried.

The Dhanushkodi sanctuary, located within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is a vital stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, supporting 128 bird species, including Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Its diverse ecosystems-mangroves, sand dunes, and marshes-provide habitats for fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and nesting sea turtles. The nurdles, tiny plastic pellets resembling fish eggs, pose severe threats to marine life, causing internal blockages, malnutrition, or death upon ingestion. They also absorb toxic chemicals, potentially entering the human food chain.

Going by the ocean current, there is a possibility of some portion of the pollutants may even spill into coral reefs rich Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. They can smother coral reefs, disrupt seagrass beds, and block sunlight essential for photosynthesis, endangering the delicate balance.

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