While containers with hazardous materials were not yet spotted, plastic granules, believed to be polyethylene, in large numbers were washed ashore in various coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
Credit: Special arrangement
Thiruvananthapuram: Around 50 containers from the Liberian cargo ship MSC ELSA3 washed ashore in various parts of south Kerala till Tuesday evening.
While containers with hazardous materials were not yet spotted, plastic granules, believed to be polyethylene, in large numbers were washed ashore in various coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
This has triggered concerns of polluting the sea and endangering marine resources. A group of volunteers have started a cleaning drive.
Ajith Shanghumugham, a volunteer in Thiruvananthapuram, said that the authorities were yet to take any steps to clear it even as it posed a serious threat to marine resources.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has informed that the spread of oil that spilled from the ship could be contained so far.
In view of concerns that the oil and other hazardous substances could pollute marine resources, various government agencies have collected samples of sea water and fishes for testing.
A ban on fishing from the Kerala coast was already in place over the last few days owing to the rough weather.
The ship that sank fully on Sunday had 643 containers on board, of which 73 were empty and 13 were carrying hazardous and dangerous goods.