Containers from Wan Hai 503 likely to wash ashore near Kollam coast, high vigil on shorelines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The containers that fell from the Singaporean cargo vessel Wan Hai 503 are likely to land in the southern part of Ernakulam district and on the coasts of Alappuzha and Kollam districts. The containers will likely wash ashore on the aforementioned shores from the 16th of this month.

The authorities have warned people to not go near the containers or touch them. They should keep a distance of at least 200 meters. Locals are advised to dial 112 and inform the location of the containers if spotted any, said the State Disaster Management Authority.

The disaster occurred on June 9, 44 nautical miles (81.5 km) from Kannur Azheekal Port. The container exploded at 9.30 am. The ship caught fire at around 12.40 pm. There were 22 people on board. Four of them have not been found yet. 18 crew members, including the captain, who jumped into the sea in a lifeboat, were rescued. The condition of two of them remains critical. Although the fire on the ship is under control, it has not been completely extinguished.