PNS|Kollam/Alappuzha (Kerala)
Containers from a Liberian cargo ship that sank off the coast of Kerala have begun washing up on shore, while an oil spill from the vessel has led authorities to issue a high alert along the state’s coastline, officials said on Monday.
Some of the containers have been found along the shores of southern Kollam and coastal areas of Alappuzha district, they said.
In a statement, the Indian Coast Guard said over 100 containers were seen floating near the site of the accident. Some had broken open, with their contents spilling into nearby waters.
“Mariners have been issued advisories to maintain a sharp lookout and exercise caution due to navigation hazards,” it said.
In the wake of the sinking of the ship off the Kerala coast, a high-level meeting was convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to assess the situation.
An advisory has been issued urging coastal residents and fishermen to remain vigilant.
So far, nine containers have washed ashore, and an advisory has been reiterated for coastal residents and fishermen to remain alert, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The cargo ship capsized and sank early on Sunday, leading to a significant oil spill.
According to the Coast Guard, the sunken vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.Adding to the woes, some containers were carrying hazardous substances such as calcium carbide–a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas, officials said.
“Fuel from the ship has also leaked. Nine containers have washed ashore between last night and this morning. Four were found near Shaktikulangara harbour, three near Chavara, one at Cheriyazheekal (Kollam district), and another at Thrikkunnapuzha in Alappuzha. The Coast Guard is taking measures to contain the oil spill using two vessels,” the CMO statement said.
It said a Dornier aircraft is being used to spray dispersant powder to neutralise the oil spill.
“Since the incident falls under a Tier 2 category disaster, response and containment efforts are being carried out using national forces, facilities, and resources. The Director General of the Coast Guard is the head of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan,” it added.
