Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks Off Kerala Coast: Coastal districts in Kerala are on high alert after a Liberian cargo ship overturned off the Kochi coast early Sunday, sending several of its 640-plus containers, including 13 carrying hazardous materials, washing ashore. The incident triggered a multi-agency response to manage potential dangers from dangerous chemicals and a significant oil spill.

Containers Spotted Along Coastlines

Early Monday, locals in Alappuzha district’s Thurayil Kadavu in Arattupuzha spotted two containers, one burst open upon colliding with the seawall, scattering unknown packets. These two containers remained joined together. In Kollam district, containers were found near Cheriazheekal in Karunagappally, with three more reported in Neendakara Parimanam, Sakthikulangara, and along the Chavara coast. Authorities have confirmed that at least 10 containers have been sighted, though the precise number that have washed ashore is still being determined.

Threat Of Hazardous Cargo And Oil Spill

Officials remained particularly concerned about some containers holding calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to produce acetylene gas, which is highly flammable. The Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs (Thiruvananthapuram Zone) issued a public advisory, strongly urging people to stay away from any washed-up containers or debris, emphasising that unauthorised handling is both dangerous and illegal.
The sunken vessel was carrying a substantial amount of fuel: 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, which can pose a severe threat to Kerala’s ecologically sensitive coastline, the Coast Guard said.

Multi-Agency Response And Public Safety Measures

Police personnel have been deployed along the affected coastal stretches to prevent pilferage and ensure public safety. The Customs Marine and Preventive Units are coordinating closely with various agencies to track the containers and monitor any attempts to smuggle or tamper with the non-duty-paid cargo. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious materials immediately to local authorities.