Containers from cargo ship washed ashore on shores including Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst severe concerns over the containers from the cargo ship that sank in the Arabian Sea, more are washing up on the shores. The containers were found at Varkala Papanasam, Manthara, and Odayam beaches, as well as Anchuthengu Onnampaalam, Valiavely, and Thumba.. The coastal police said parcels from the containers were floating on the coasts of Anchuthengu, Mampally and Muthalappozhi.

Steps to remove the containers washed up on the coasts of Kollam and Alappuzha will begin from this morning. Till last night, 34 containers were washed ashore in Kollam and two in Alappuzha. All 34 were found on the shore between Cheriazheekal in Kollam and Kakkathoppu in Mundakkal. The one that washed ashore in Alappuzha River were in Arattupuzha. None of these were found to contain chemicals, and it was confirmed after examining the shipping manifestation along with the container number and the details of the cargo.

The containers are being inspected by a team of experts from customs, Koodamkulam Nuclear Power Plant, factories and boilers department and pollution control board. The team of NDRF from Chennai is also camping in the area. A 200-meter radius has been set up to prevent people from coming near the containers.

The customs will take into custody the containers bringing to Kollam Yard. The containers will be released as per the claims of the owners. The containers with goods will be released only after duty is paid. The cargos will get insurance as it sank on the Kochi coast. The containers containing chemicals have not yet washed ashore. However, the Pollution Control Board will be collecting samples of sea water.