More containers from sunken ship wash ashore in Kerala, chemical spill feared

India Today

27-05-2025

Four large containers have washed ashore along the Kerala coast in Thiruvananthapuram district, specifically in Varkala and Chirayinkeezhu taluks, heightening concern among local residents and fishing communities. The incident follows a statewide alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship carrying over 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, sank off the Kochi coast on Sunday. Containers from the vessel have since been washing ashore across various parts of the state.advertisementAuthorities have not yet confirmed the contents of the containers, though some are reported to contain bundled materials. The police have issued strict warnings urging the public to avoid touching or approaching the containers or any debris found nearby.The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Customs officials had confirmed that 29 containers washed up across the state, including 27 in Kollam and two in Alappuzha on Tuesday. Some containers are marked yellow and have visible plastic materials, while others remain sealed. At least one container in Alappuzha burst open after colliding with a seawall, spilling its contents onto the beach.
Of particular concern are containers carrying calcium carbide, a chemical that can release highly flammable acetylene gas upon contact with seawater. The Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, has strongly advised the public to stay away from any floating or beached containers or debris, warning of the potential danger. The Customs Department has also cautioned that unauthorised removal or pilferage of cargo, which is non-duty paid, is illegal. Surveillance efforts are ongoing along the coast, with Customs Marine and Preventive Units working in coordination with other agencies to secure affected areas. All zones where containers have been located have been cordoned off, and the public is prohibited from approaching within 200 metres.advertisementAuthorities are also managing the environmental fallout from the shipwreck, which resulted in a major oil spill. The ICG reported that the vessel was carrying over 450 metric tonnes of diesel and furnace oil, which are now leaking into the sea. In Thiruvananthapuram, the container sightings have heightened anxiety among residents. Fishing is the primary livelihood in the area, and locals fear the uncertainty could have long-term impacts. Martin, a resident, said, 'People here are scared. To address their concern, the government should make clear what is inside these containers. Many people here depend on fishing. People will be scared to buy fish from now on citing that the water had chemical content. So the government should adopt measures to make people understand the reality. We also hope these containers are removed from here soon.'Near one of the beaches where the containers washed ashore, a tea stall operated by a couple, Shobhana and Pathrose, remains busy. The couple described their initial concern but said they felt reassured after speaking with officials. 'Chemical is the only concern. But the chemical is heavy so it won't reach the shore. It won't float is what we understand. That's what the officials said. The natural change in weather is a concern. On top of that, this happened. But as per officials, nothing will happen so there is ultimately nothing major to worry about,' they said.advertisementShobhana added, 'We saw in the news that we should not touch or go near this. We didn't go when we got to know this. Officers said that it's tea, milk powder and all that was found. Now there is no tension as such.'Michael, another resident, said locals were taking precautions. 'We are residents of this locality. These containers are empty. We didn't go near this still. Police asked us not to go near it. Many people came here to see it but nobody crossed the barricade that they have kept. They told us it's danger to go near it. It will be difficult to remove it from here.'Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal tried to ease public fears, stating: 'Everyone has to stay vigilant for the next 72 hours also. There is no alarming situation like what we expected initially. These containers that have been spotted are all empty. It doesn't have anything hazardous. The procedure now is to remove these from here. We needed Customs approval for opening this. They have given approval. By tomorrow we will remove these from here.'
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