Containers from Sunken Liberian Ship Wash Ashore in Kerala; Authorities Urge Caution

Kollam/Alappuzha: Containers from a Liberian cargo ship that sank off the Kerala coast have started washing ashore along parts of southern Kollam and coastal Alappuzha, prompting urgent warnings from authorities. Police on Monday confirmed the discovery of several containers but said the total number washed ashore remains unclear.
At least 10 containers have reportedly been spotted so far. Police personnel have been deployed in all affected coastal areas, and the public has been strongly advised to stay away from any washed-up containers due to safety concerns. Officials noted that the vessel had 13 containers classified as hazardous among its total of 643, raising serious alarm.
The ship capsized and sank early Sunday, triggering a significant oil spill. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reported that the vessel was carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. The resulting oil slick is drifting at approximately three kilometres per hour, posing a threat to Kerala’s ecologically fragile coastline and prompting a state-wide alert.
Among the hazardous cargo were containers with calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas. The ICG is spearheading pollution response operations and is closely monitoring the spread of the slick.
The Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, confirmed that of the 643 containers on board, 73 were empty and 13 contained dangerous goods, including calcium carbide. All cargo was non-duty paid at the time of the incident.
“Any unauthorised removal or pilferage of such goods is illegal,” a customs statement warned. Customs Marine and Preventive Units have been deployed along the Kerala coast, coordinating surveillance and recovery efforts with other agencies.
The public has been strongly urged not to approach or handle any containers or debris found onshore, as they may contain hazardous materials. Authorities emphasized that public cooperation is essential to ensure safety and support ongoing environmental and recovery operations.