34 in Kollam, two in Alappuzha; Containers galore on Kerala coast

KOLLAM: Amidst fears over the sunken cargo vessel in Kochi, 34 containers touched the Kollam shore while two reached Alappuzha waters on Monday. 25 of the containers were found empty. In Alappuzha, the containers were found near the Tharayilkadavu region.

As per the shipping manifesto containing the cargo details, none of these containers stocked chemicals inside.

The damaged containers will be towed using tugs and fishing boats, only to be brought to the yard at Kollam Port. Except for five containers, the rest are in a damaged condition at Kollam breakwaters. Only nine containers were found with cargo.

The five containers found from Sakthikulangara were not in a damaged state, making it difficult to guess their cargo. Two other damaged containers carried newsprint and green tea. Bundles of bandages are floating on the beach in Cheriyazhikkal. Police and fishermen used ropes to hold the containers. A Navy drone is monitoring the floating containers in the sea.

Containers arriving at Kollam Yard will be taken into customs custody. The containers will be released as per the claims made by the owners. The containers with cargo will be released only after the final charge is paid. The containers containing the chemicals have not yet washed ashore. However, the Sewage Control Board is collecting samples of seawater.