KOLLAM: Several containers from the cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3, which capsized off the coast of Kochi, washed ashore along various parts of the Kollam coast on Monday morning.
In Kollam, the fisheries department reported 32 containers found across the coastline, including 14 at Shakthikulangara. Others were spotted at Neendakara, near the Parimanam temple, close to a hotel, near the IRE Guest House, Pandarathoppu, and near St John De Britto Church. Many of the containers had broken open.
Tea leaves from one container had spilled into the sea, while thermocol was scattered along the shoreline. A lifeboat from the vessel also washed ashore near the church in Shakthikulangara. Fishermen who noticed the debris alerted authorities.
Kollam District Collector N Devidas led a team of officials to inspect the affected areas. All containers recovered in Kollam so far were found empty. The district administration has urged residents in vulnerable coastal zones to evacuate and move to safer locations.
In Alappuzha, two containers were found at Tharayilkadavu in Karthikappally taluk. One, driven by strong waves, struck a breakwater and broke open near the beach. It was found to contain a cotton-like material, believed to be a raw textile substance.
“One of the cartons was damaged and the cotton-like material spilled out. Preliminary inspections suggest it might be raw material used for manufacturing textiles,” a disaster management official said.
“The container was addressed to a Bulgarian napkin manufacturing company. However, exact details will be confirmed after customs officials complete their examination,” the official added.
In addition to the containers, debris including small floating objects was reported along the Alappuzha coast. Fishermen spotted and reported the items, prompting coastal police to remove them. Among the debris were an oxygen cylinder at Punnapra and an iron barrel at Ottamassery beach in Cherthala taluk.
“There is a possibility that strong winds from the sea could bring oil particles to the shore, so we are collecting water samples at regular intervals from multiple locations,” an official said.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has strictly warned the public not to approach or touch any containers or floating objects. Residents are advised to report any sightings of containers by dialling the emergency number 112.
The MSC Elsa 3, carrying over 640 containers, was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it capsized off the Kochi harbour on Saturday.
The vessel sank completely on Sunday after tilting 26 degrees the previous afternoon. Of the 640 containers on board, 73 were empty. Authorities confirmed that 13 containers carried hazardous chemicals, including 12 with calcium carbide. The vessel also had tanks containing 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil for power generation.
