Calcium carbide, coconuts, cashew nuts; 'Hazardous' cargo of Liberian ship revealed

KOCHI: The Kerala government released information about the cargo of the Liberian cargo ship that capsized off the Kochi coast. Thirteen containers contained calcium carbide and sixty contained polymer raw materials. Calcium carbide, a compound of calcium and carbon, forms acetylene gas when mixed with water. This can quickly catch fire. It is also harmful to the human body. Although the government says that there were 643 containers on the ship, it is reported that the ship authorities have only handed over information on 640 containers.

Four containers marked "Cash" contained cashew nuts. 46 containers contained coconuts and cashew nuts. 39 containers contained cotton for making cloth. 87 containers contained wood.

The High Court had earlier directed the government to make public, the details of the cargo ferried in the ship’s containers. The government has informed the court that the National Green Tribunal has initiated suo motu action in the matter.

Congress leader TN Prathapan filed a public interest litigation in the High Court seeking action in the ship accident. He approached the court seeking a solution to remove the toxic contents from the sea. The petition also sought the implementation of a compensation and rehabilitation plan for the fishermen. A high-powered expert committee should be appointed to assess the environmental impact. The petition also sought legal action against the shipping company.